Pathways for Language Revitalization
Sustaining Indigenous Educators in Matawa First Nations.
Matawa Education Department | ITE Grant Recipient | $500,000 | Retain Stream
Region:
Indigenous educators are the heart of culturally grounded learning—but many face challenges accessing professional development that reflects who they are and what they bring. With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Indigenous Teacher Education (ITE) Initiative, the Matawa Education Department is breaking down those barriers and investing in the strength already found in community.
Based in Northern Ontario, the Pathways for Language Revitalization initiative is building a sustainable, community-led system that strengthens the retention and professional growth of Indigenous teachers, ECEs, aides, and language champions across nine Matawa First Nations. By centering Indigenous languages in the classroom, and treating language fluency as a professional credential, this project redefines what it means to be a qualified educator in FNIM communities.
Key Features of the Initiative: Community-Led, Language-Centered, and Professionally Grounded
- Support for 120 Language Educators Across Matawa Communities
Over three years, 120 First Nations language educators, teachers, aides, and adult learners will gain training and support to grow professionally and teach in culturally grounded ways.
- Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, and Cree Curriculum for K–12
New curriculum in Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, and Cree will be developed for use in Matawa’s nine First Nations and shared more broadly across Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) territory, co-created with 15–20 Elders and Knowledge Carriers.
- Language as a Core Qualification
The project aligns language teaching with provincial standards, making Indigenous languages a formal credential and linking language revitalization to educator certification.
- Urban and Remote Student Support
Beyond early grades, the project extends to high school students studying in urban centres, providing them with tools to stay connected to their language and culture while away from home.
- Culturally Rooted Professional Development
Ongoing workshops, mentorship, and land-based learning will support educators as both teachers and language keepers, helping retain and empower those already working in schools.
Why It Matters: Retention, Representation, and Cultural Continuity
Indigenous languages are at the heart of culture, identity, and community wellbeing. This project addresses urgent gaps in educator certification and language teaching by creating accessible, culturally relevant pathways for Indigenous language educators. When educators are supported to teach in their own languages and communities, students see themselves reflected in their learning, which boosts engagement, confidence, and success. By embedding language revitalization into formal education and professional development, this initiative preserves vital languages and builds stronger, more connected communities for generations to come.
Deliverables & Reach:
- Educators Reached: 120 language educators over 3 years
- Students Reached: 500+ annually
- Community Engagement: 15–20 Elders and Knowledge Carriers involved in mentorship and curriculum development
- Curriculum Development: New resources in Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, and Cree delivered across all nine Matawa First Nations, with plans to scale to additional Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities
By empowering this work to continue within the communities, we are nurturing the spirit of our youth and strengthening connections to culture, language, and land across all nine Matawa First Nation communities. Miigwetch for walking with us on this path.
– Georgette O’Nabigon, Matawa Education Executive Director
About the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative
The Rideau Hall Foundation launched the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative to grow and support a representative, culturally rooted Indigenous education workforce. Through a national Open Call, projects were selected through a rigorous peer-review process led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis education experts.
Two funding streams—Reinforce and Retain—respond to urgent priorities in Indigenous teacher education, from scaling successful training programs to improving teacher retention and support. This project is funded through the Retain Stream, which supports innovative approaches to sustaining and supporting Indigenous educators already working in their communities.
Learn More
Discover how Indigenous educators across the country are transforming classrooms, strengthening language, and leading change.
This is just one of many regions taking bold steps. Read more about other ITE grant recipients.