High school students in Saskatchewan will soon have more opportunities to learn Indigenous languages.

School divisions across the province will be able to offer Dene, Michif and Saulteaux (Nakawêmowin) courses at the 10, 20 and 30 levels starting next fall.

The provincial government made the announcement in response to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

“Reconciliation is about recognizing past wrongs, making sure those wrongs are not repeated and choosing to move forward together to build a better future,” Saskatchewan Treaty Commissioner Mary Culbertson says in a released statement. “This renewed effort to acknowledge the significance of Indigenous languages and expand learning opportunities is an important step in creating inclusive learning environments for students and a meaningful step toward reconciliation in Saskatchewan. One day we hope to see all the linguistic groups throughout these territories represented and accessible in our schools so all our grandchildren will see themselves in their classrooms.”

The provincial Cree (nēhiyawēwin) course will also continue to be available at Saskatchewan schools.

(Photo courtesy of saskatchewan.ca.)