Language revitalization in northern Manitoba: a study of an elementary school Cree bilingual program

Abstract

This thesis concerns a study of an elementary school Cree bilingual program. Students’ language proficiency, attitudes and academic performance were analyzed and parent and teacher interviews were conducted to assess the program’s effectiveness and to determine how well it meets community needs and expectations. The study found that students were learning Cree vocabulary but developing only limited communicative ability and they were not able to converse. The study also found that Cree Program students had positive attitudes toward Cree language and culture, and that their performance in other subject areas was not negatively affected by their focus on Cree language learning. Adult interviews demonstrated that parents and teachers had realistic assessments of students’ performance, but that they were strongly committed to the program. Parents demonstrated that they were very engaged in their children’s education.