Cree and Ojibway language programs offered by Winnipeg School Division

WINNIPEG — Winnipeg School Division (WSD) is announcing it will offer Indigenous Cree and Ojibway bilingual language programs next fall.

The school division said the program will be run at Isaac Brock School starting in September 2016 and are expecting to fill two kindergarten classrooms in each language. It expects to add one grade per year afterwards.

Rob Riel, Director of Aboriginal Education and Newcomer Services called the programs “groundbreaking”.

“Students will be able to reflect back on who they are, through their culture, through their language and be proud of their language,” said Riel.

As part of the curriculum, students will also partake in cultural rituals such as smudging and sweat lodges.

WSD said the demand for the language programs has already been high, as 80 students are registered for next year.

In addition to Aboriginal language programs being offered, there will also be a Spanish bilingual program at Earl Grey School and and a French Immersion dual track program will be added at Luxton School.