June 25th, 2020 | 1-minute read

Celebrating the work of Eshki-Nishnaabemjig, this years recipients of the Award of Distinction in Indigenous Education

LU marks National Indigenous Peoples Day by celebrating student success, honouring presence of Anishinaabemowin on campus

Laurentian University is marking National Indigenous History Month with a celebration of milestones. First, we are pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Award of Distinction in Indigenous Education. Congratulations to Jessica Miigwanaabiikwe-Shonias, Monty McGahey, and Mskwaankwat Rice for their work as coordinators of Eshki-Niishnaabemjig

Spearheaded by these three young Nishnaabeg, Eshki-Niishnaabemjig is a two-week language immersion program offered every summer. This program is not only accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers, but integrates cultural practices into language learning. Due to the pandemic, this summer’s edition of the program is offered exclusively online.

The coordinators embody the values of Indigenous Education and are dedicated to making Anishnabemowin language accessible to learners while empowering communities to keep language alive and well. Grassroots organizations such as these will help secure the future of Anishnabemowin and other Indigenous languages for generations to come.

Second, we also mark the fiftieth anniversary of the on-campus presence of Anishinaabemowin, the language of these lands since time immemorial. Following on last year's project to install multilingual signage throughout campus, we will continue to find new ways to support Anishnabemowin at Laurentian.