Innu community celebrates the first students in Innu-Aimun immersion kindergarten
The Innu community is rejoicing as they welcome the first students into the Innu-Aimun immersion kindergarten program. This groundbreaking initiative aims to preserve and revitalize the Innu language, culture, and traditions for future generations.
The Innu-Aimun immersion kindergarten, located in Sheshatshiu, Labrador, officially opened its doors on September 8th, 2021. The program is a collaboration between the Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government, and the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.
The immersion program is designed for children aged 4 and 5, with a focus on teaching them the Innu language through play-based learning. The curriculum also includes cultural activities, such as traditional storytelling, drumming, and dancing, to immerse the students in their rich heritage.
Chief Etienne Rich, of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, expressed his excitement for the program, stating, “This is a significant step towards preserving our language and culture. Our children are the future of our community, and it is crucial that they have the opportunity to learn and embrace their Innu identity.”
The Innu-Aimun immersion kindergarten is the first of its kind in the Innu Nation, and it is a result of years of advocacy and collaboration between the Innu community and government partners. The program is also a response to the declining number of Innu speakers, with only 2% of the Innu population being fluent in the language.
Innu Nation Grand Chief Gregory Rich praised the program, saying, “This is a historic moment for our community. Our language is the foundation of our culture, and it is our responsibility to ensure its survival. The Innu-Aimun immersion kindergarten is a crucial step in that direction.”
The program has received overwhelming support from the Innu community, with many parents enrolling their children in the program. The Innu Nation and its partners are committed to expanding the program to other communities in the future.
The Innu-Aimun immersion kindergarten is a significant milestone in the efforts to preserve and revitalize the Innu language and culture. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Innu people to pass on their traditions to the next generation.
