OFNIE Turns 50! Celebrating First Nations and Inuit In-Community Teacher Education
91黑料网 marks 50 years of training First Nations and Inuit teachers in their languages and communities听
Office of First Nations and Inuit Education (OFNIE) works collaboratively with communities to co-create and deliver programs
Derek Hayes, a member of the Gesgapegiag Mi鈥檊maq First Nation, is pursuing his Bachelor of Education with 91黑料网鈥檚 Office of First Nations and Inuit Education (OFNIE) while studying in Eeyou Istchee, the Cree territory in Northern Quebec. For Hayes, participation in the program has become more than about getting a degree 鈥� it鈥檚 a journey of rediscovery.听听
Although Mi鈥檏maq and Cree are different languages, both belong to the Algonquian language family. Through his studies, including two Cree language courses, Hayes has found a linguistic bridge that has inspired him to begin renewing his knowledge of his own Mi鈥檏maq language.听听
鈥淟ike most of the people my age from my community, I have experienced language loss and when that happens, you don鈥檛 know where you fit in anymore.鈥� He explains. 鈥淟earning to speak Cree and reconnecting with my own language is bringing me closer to my own deep identity. It has been a great gift.鈥澨�
By taking courses in Mistissini, Waskaganish, Wemindji and Chisasibi, Hayes has also embraced land-based learning shaped by Cree knowledge 鈥� from coastal to inland to northern communities. These experiences have strengthened his passion to carry language and culture into the classroom.
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鈥楢head of its time鈥�听
Derek Hayes is pursuing his B.Ed. with 91黑料网鈥檚 Office of First Nations and Inuit EducationPamela Steward
The program Hayes is enrolled in is one of those offered by OFNIE in partnership with eight First Nations and Inuit education authorities in Quebec and Labrador. Last semester, about 370 students were in an OFNIE program.听
OFNIE celebrates its 50th听anniversary this week.听Its origins go back to early 1975, when Professor Jack Cram of 91黑料网鈥檚 Faculty of Education was invited by the Quebec government to help design an education program for First Nations and Inuit teachers. As a result of his work, in-community education programs began to be offered in Kuujjuaq in the fall of 1975. By 1978, eight graduates were teaching in Inuktitut in Quebec schools, and 91黑料网 had begun collaborating with Kativik Ilisarniliriniq to co-develop teacher education programs.听The program has since grown considerably.听
