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ᐄᔨᔨᐅᔨᒥᑖᐤ / ᐄᔨᔫ ᐊᔨᒥᑖᐤ / ᐄᓅ ᐊᔨᒥᑖᐤ

Cree Language Revitalization

Strengthening the Use of the Cree Language in the Classroom

Grade 1 iiyiyiuyimitaau / iiyiyuu ayimitaau / iinuu ayimitaau

Overview of Grade 1 for the 2025/2026 School Year

Children entering Grade 1 in August 2025, will have new opportunities to learn iiyiyiuyimuwin (Cree language) as part of a regional initiative to revitalize and restore our language and culture.

The Mentor Program will be expanded to include Grade 1

The CSB is expanding the Cree Language Mentorship Initiative to Grade 1 in 5 communities. 

Read more about the Cree language Mentorship Initiative

Increased support for Cree language teachers

Teachers have more tools to engage children in language learning and play that teaches them about their culture.

Pilots using Cree as the language of instruction

The number and size of pilot classes will be determined collaboratively by the school and regional office, while taking parental feedback into consideration.

This three-step approach is being implemented in consultation with parents. Parents’ Nights took place April 14 - 16, 2025 in each community where parents had a chance to ask questions and took a survey to help shape the future of the iiyiyiuyimitaau / iiyiyuu ayimitaau / iinuu ayimitaau initiative.

What to Expect in Your School

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

In the 2025-2026 school year, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers in all nine communities will continue to be matched with a mentor to help improve the quality of iiyiyiuyimuwin taught in the classroom.

Grade 1

The program will expand to other communities in consultation with parents, based on readiness, the availability of teaching staff, instructional material and support.

Student Success
is rooted in having a
strong sense of identity and belonging
which comes from
living our culture
which requires
our language and knowledge

Why is it important to keep a language alive?

Cultural Identity

Language is central to cultural identity, connecting individuals to their heritage, values, and traditions.

Well-Being

Studies have shown that a strong link with one’s ancestral language is a crucial element of self-identity and mental wellbeing

Community Health

A language loss can weaken community ties. By revitalizing Cree, we strengthen the bonds within our community.

Generational Impact

Revitalizing the Cree language ensures that future generations can learn and carry on the language, traditions, and stories.

What is the main goal of Grade 1 iiyiyiuyimitaau / iiyiyuu ayimitaau / iinuu ayimitaau?

The goal of this project is to give students the chance to increase their understanding of the Cree language and culture while following the Guaranteed Viable Curriculum (GVC) for Grade 1 students.

Why is iiyiyiuyimuwin important for your child's development?

Student success is built on a strong sense of identity, which is rooted in language and cultural knowledge. Studies have shown that a strong link with one’s ancestral language is an important element of self-identity and mental wellbeing.

Why is the Grade 1 iiyiyiuyimitaau / iiyiyuu ayimitaau / iinuu ayimitaau initiative being introduced in our schools now?

Learning and speaking Cree helps students feel proud of who they are and supports their well-being.

From 2019 to 2022, surveys showed that many Grade 2 students could not speak or understand Cree. This means most young children are no longer native Cree speakers. We need to act now to turn this situation around.

Our schools should reflect who we are as Cree people and support our language and culture, as promised in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. The CSB is working to make Cree language and culture stronger than ever.

How will the Grade 1 iiyiyiuyimitaau / iiyiyuu ayimitaau / iinuu ayimitaau initiative be introduced into schools? And will it be mandatory for all students?

The CSB is committed to helping everyone grow in Cree.

Some pilot schools will offer Cree as the language of instruction, based on decisions by the school and regional office, survey results, available teachers, and materials.

Communities not in the pilot will still get more support, like expanding the Mentor Program to Grade 1 and helping Cree language teachers.

Parents can choose Cree or English, and in some communities, French may also be an option.

How will parents be involved in this project?

Parents will be asked for their opinions through consultations and surveys. Materials and communications will be given to principals to help them talk with teachers and parents.

Parental engagement is key to student success. Parents, we would love to see you. Please contact your child’s principal, teacher and school committee to be involved.

How does this project connect to the goals of the Cree School Board?

This project supports the Cree School Board’s promise, made through the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, to build an education system by and for iiyiyiu and iinuu—one that reflects our identity, values, and goals.

Language and culture should be taught by all: parents, schools, and within our communities