Alumni Mentorship and Language Revitalization Program
Fostering belonging among first-year Indigenous students to support their transition to university through mentorship, language learning and cultural revitalization.
Project Lead:Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Wampum Learning Lodge, Indigenous Student Centre, Indigenous Studies, Local Indigenous Community
Project Status: In Progress
The Alumni Mentorship and Language Revitalization Program aims to create a sense belonging through mentorship opportunities between first year Indigenous students and Indigenous alumni at Western while engaging in language learning, cultural reclamation and revitalization. Participation in the program will help support first-year Indigenous students in their transition to Western while simultaneously offering an opportunity for Indigenous community members to access language learning. By fostering a connection to Indigenous culture, community and ways of knowing, the well-being of Indigenous students’ will be supported. Recognizing Indigenous language learning as a valid and enriching mode of learning for Indigenous students will help decolonize Western’s institutional practices and take steps towards reconciliation.
In summary...
- 3 Indigenous languages will be featured - Onyota:aka neha (Oneida), Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) and Lene Lunape (Delaware).
- Programming in all three languages began in February 2024.
- Anishinaabemowin Language Nest-facilitated by Indigenous Elder in Residence. Occurs biweekly at Wampum Learning Lodge.
- Signage created in all three languages in the Wampum Learning Lodge to identify everyday objects.
- The immersion program for Onyota:aka neha, in partnership with Oneida Employment and Training, will take place in community as well as at the Wampum Learning Lodge.
- 22 participants enrolled in February 2024: 5 Western students, 6 Western Alumni and 10 community members.
- Onyota:aka neha resources were created.
- Additional goal: To create teachers of Onyota:aka neha. One student participating in this initiative is now currently teaching as of October 2024, and one student begins teaching in January 2025.
