Watch and Listen
Many organizations and programs have created short videos to share their language learning and preservation content. Often videos are available through YouTube or the organization's website. Other audio content is available through radio stations or through websites which have made audio recordings available.
Aakoziiwigamig: An Ojibwe Radio Drama
The University of Winnipeg (Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, Indigenous Engagement, and the Oral History Centre), the University of Manitoba, Indigenous Languages of Manitoba, Native Communications Inc. Radio (NCI) and Mazinaate Publishing have collaborated on an Indigenous Language radio drama set in a hospital that premiered in January 2021. There are 12 episodes available on Spotify and scripts are available for episodes 1 - 9.
Videos
- Anishinaabemowin Nursery RhymesThe Seven Oaks School Division Ojibwe Language Project translation of classic nursery rhymes in the Ojibwe language. Translated, edited and performed by Gloria Barker. Illustrated by Arden Hill.
- Ojibwe Bilingual K-4 Book SeriesThese books were developed books to support the Ojibwe bilingual program at Riverbend School in the Seven Oaks School Division. Narrated by Elder Mary Courchene and Elder Ruth Norton.
- Wii Chiiwaakinak Learning Ojibwe Language Video LessonsA 5-part YouTube video series of lessons on the Ojibwe Language. These videos were produced by the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre and the University of Winnipeg as part of their post-secondary partnership program to promote education involving Indigenous language and culture.
- Aski Achimowin Cree Language Camp DocumentaryThe Aski Achimowin, Stories From the Land documentary features a unique storywork approach to exploring Indigenous languages! Friends of all ages came together at Egg Lake MB, on the traditional territory of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation to share and revitalize the Cree language while exploring Cree concepts of wahkotowin (good relations) and mino pimatiswin (living a good life).
- Aski Achimowin: Cree Language Instructional VideosFive Cree language instructional videos feature Elders, educators, and youth sharing their experiences creating a maskîkiwat (medicine bag), tîkinâkan (cradle board), ithithikanis (sock puppet), ininikanis (homemade dolls), and asini sisopêyikana (rock paintings).
- Bighetty & Bighetty Puppet ShowThe Bighetty brothers' puppets deliver laughs in spontaneous interactions in Swampy Cree and English with elders, chiefs, adults and children. The brothers film the fun on their cell phones and post the videos on their YouTube and Facebook pages.
- "Speaking Michif" Lessons in Michif-Cree for the Whole FamilyA series of instructional videos developed by the Louis Riel Institute to assist in teaching families the Michif language. the lessons can be easily practiced at home or in language classrooms since they involve everyday activities and conversations. Includes printable resources to accompany the videos.
- "Speaking Michif" Lessons in Michif-French for the Early YearsSeven instructional videos developed by the Louis Riel Institute. Covers topics such as frog picking and deer hunting. Taught by Madame Patsy. Includes printable resources to accompany the videos.
NCI FM
Indigenous language radio programming is a great way to expose yourself to a language, particularly to how languages are expressed locally. Check the NCI website for their program guide to find out when you can listen to these great shows.
In the earlier years of NCI, television was also used. One of the feature shows in those times was called Kehte-Hiyak [KEH-TAY-UKK]. Elders of various First Nations shared legends, as well as the telling of the traditional lifestyle in which they were brought up in. You can find these videos on NCI's YouTube channel.
- Da Minous Music Lodge
Da Minous Music Lodge is an Ojibwe language program hosted by Dennis Chartrand, a member of the Pine Creek First Nation. Dennis is known for his off the cuff humour and connections to many communities as an entertainer and workshop facilitator. His show features classic Indigenous hits, classic country and pow wow music.
- Cree Country
Cree Country is a Cree language program hosted by Davey Gott from the Chemawawin First Nation (Easterville). Davey shares community information, weather in Cree and his spontaneous Cree sense of humour.
Spoken Cree: Doug Ellis Audio Collection
- Spoken Cree
Spoken Cree by C. Douglas Ellis, is a complete Cree language course based on the "N" and "L" dialects spoken west of James Bay, Ontario.The Spoken Cree language-learning materials are designed to provide a thorough grounding in the spoken language within the context of Cree society. Conversations, drill exercises and listening-in sections have all been recorded by native speakers to supply the most authentic models of speech for the student. - Cree Legends and Narratives
The Cree Legends and Narratives audio material is based on the original recordings that were transcribed to create the Cree Legends and Narratives book. This original material was digitized and edited, then organized in a searchable database.