About Us

Purpose

The purpose of the Kwayaciiwin Anihshiniimowin Immersion Program is to graduate students who are:

  • Bilingual--able to speak, read and write in Anihshiniimowin and English
  • Bicultural--know and are able to live in both cultures
  • Have the knowledge and skills to succeed in high school

Kwayaciiwin helps make connections between elders and youth by encouraging the transmission of our language from generation to generation.

Saul Williams, DEPC Chair

History of the Program

The Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre began operation in 2002, under the direction of the District Education Planning Committee (DEPC).

The DEPC was established to implement and manage the Academic Readiness Project, mandated by district Chiefs to address concerns about the academic readiness of district students when they left their communities to attend high school. The Academic Readiness Project consisted of:

  • Designing and delivering Education Director and Education Authority Training
  • Providing training for Principals
  • Developing district First Nations Curriculum Guidedlines and Standards
  • Establishing an Education Resource Centre
  • Designing a model for special education services and delivery
As of August 2006, Principals and Education Directors from all 24 communities have received training and seven schools have implemented the Centre's Anihshiniimowin Immersion Program curriculum guidelines.

Language is a gift from the creator and must be maintained, respected, and honoured throughout our lives.
Services Provided by the Centre

Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre provides support services to the 24 First Nations of the Sioux Lookout District and currently has a staff of eight. Services provided include:

  • Curriculum guidelines based on culture and values
  • Curriculum resources and books
  • Capacity development--training for Principals and Education Directors
  • Professional development workshops for district schools
Having a strong grasp of the first language will make it easier for your child to learn English.

Ministry of Education, Ontario

Teaching Model

The Kwayaciiwin Immersion Program is bilingual and teaches students fluency and literacy in Anihsniniimowin and English.

  • Kindergarten and Grade 1: Anihsniniimowin is the language of teaching and learning.
  • Grade 2: Anihshiniimowin is taught, studied and is the language of teaching and learning in all other subjects. English is taught for one hour a day.
  • Grade 3: Anihshiniimowin is taught, studied and is the language of teaching and learning other subjects for three hours a day. English is taught and used for two hours a day.
  • Grades 4 & 5: Both Anihshiniimowin and English are taught and studied as subjects, with 50% of the time devoted to each language.
  • Grade 6: Both Anihshiniimowin and English are subjects and languages of instruction. Anihshiniimowin is used two hours a day and English three hours a day.
  • Grades 7 & 8: Both Anihshiniimowin and English are subjects and languages of instruction. Anihshiniimowin is used one hour a day and English four hours a day.
This information is available in our pamphlet (Adobe PDF).