Our Organization
Youth
Adultᐄᔨᔨᐤ/ᐄᓅ ᐊᔨᒥᑖᐤ
Cree Language Revitalization
Parents' Nights
April 14, 2025 – 6-8pm
Waskaganish, Nemaska, Eastmain
April 15, 2025 – 6-8pm
Mistissini, Oujé-Bougoumou, Waswanipi
April 16, 2025 – 6-8pm
Whapmagoostui, Chisasibi, Wemindji
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
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.
Grade 1 iiyiyiu/iinuu ayimitaau
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.
iiyiyiu/iinuu ayimitaau
iiyiyiu/iinuu ayimitaau is a pilot project that will offer Cree as an optional language of instruction to Grade 1 students.
The project will allow children to build on their pre-school iiyiyiuyimuwin skills, alongside English or French.
Mentorship
At the same time, the CSB is expanding the Cree Language Mentorship Initiative in all communities. With the help of mentors, teachers have more tools to engage children in language learning and play that teaches them about their culture. The goal is to prepare children to apply their language skills and knowledge in Grade 1.
This two-step approach is being implemented in consultation with parents. Parents’ Nights will take place in each community where you will have a chance to ask questions and take a survey to help shape the future of the iiyiyiu/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.
What is the main goal of Grade One iiyiyiu/iinuu ayimitaau?
The main goal of Grade One iiyiyiu/iinuu ayimitaau is to help iiyiyiu and iinuu students learn their native language, culture, and identity in school. It builds on the support given in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. The project wants to stop the decline in knowledge of iiyiyiuyimuwin (Cree language). By offering iiyiyiuyimuwin as an optional language in Grade One, it aims to keep early language learning going and help young students learn iiyiyiuyimuwin better.
Why is iiyiyiuyimuwin important for your child's development?
Knowing your native language is important for feeling good about yourself and being mentally healthy. Research shows that doing well in school and life often comes from having a powerful sense of identity, which is connected to language and culture. By helping students learn iiyiyiuyimuwin, the project hopes to improve their overall well-being and success in school.
Why was the Grade One iiyiyiu/iinuu ayimitaau started?
Surveys and tests from 2019 to 2022 showed that students' knowledge of iiyiyiuyimuwin was rapidly declining or non-existing. This problem, along with the existing Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten mentor program, led to a bigger plan focused on language and culture. Grade One iiyiyiu/iinuu ayimitaau is a key part of this plan to support iiyiyiuyimuwin learning.
How will the new project be done in schools? Will all Grade One students have to do it?
Parents will be asked for their opinions, which will help decide how the program will be rolled out.
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.
How does this project connect to the goals of the Cree School Board?
This project supports the promise of the Cree School Board, which was created through the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. The promise is to create an education system for iiyiyiu and iinuu, developed by iiyiyiu and iinuu, that reflects our identity and goals.