DRAFT
Gift of Language History
The Gift of Language and Culture has supported Cree language education and revitalization in Onion Lake Cree Nation for more than 30 years. What began as a small effort by educators, Elders, parents, and community members grew into a long-term commitment to Cree immersion education, curriculum development, and language resource creation.
Early 1990s
Community members began creating Cree language learning materials and exploring ways to strengthen the language through education. The vision of a Cree immersion program started to take shape.
1995–1996
Following strong community support, the Cree Immersion Program was established in Onion Lake Cree Nation. Because few Cree immersion resources existed at the time, teachers and resource developers began creating their own curriculum, books, and classroom materials.
Late 1990s–Early 2000s
The program expanded as new resources were developed for additional grade levels. Resource developers, educators, and community members worked together to create materials that reflected local language, culture, and knowledge.
2004
The Gift of Language and Culture Project was formally established through partnerships focused on supporting Indigenous language revitalization and immersion education. The project helped develop curriculum, learning resources, and language programs that continue to benefit communities today.
2006
Kihēw Waciston Cree Immersion School opened its doors, providing a dedicated space for Cree immersion education and continued language resource development.
Today: Continuing the Work
The Gift of Language and Culture continues to support Cree language revitalization through curriculum development, educational resources, land-based learning, translation and editing, recording projects, and community partnerships.
Current efforts focus on:
- Restoring and digitizing historical resources created by earlier generations of staff
- Developing new curriculum and learning materials
- Recording Cree language knowledge and oral histories
- Documenting Onion Lake history, culture, and community stories
- Supporting schools, educators, and future language learners
The Gift of Language and Culture is the result of many generations of contributors. Elders, educators, artists, curriculum developers, language workers, students, and community members have all played a role in building and carrying this work forward. Their contributions continue to shape the resources and programs that support Cree language revitalization today.
Contact Us
P.O. Box 340
Onion Lake SK, S0M2E0
Phone: (306) 344-2525
ext. 2012