NISHNAABEMWIN LANGUAGE & INSTRUCTION INSTITUTE


INTRODUCTION

Bay Mills Community College has developed a much needed and recognized process of Nisbnaabemwin language learning utilizing the concept that is found in the Medicine Wheel Teachings—teachings which are Nishnaabe and are intrinsic to the understanding and appreciation of Nishnaabe culture. Not only will the students gain and further develop this knowledge, they will also gain a positive sense of identity as Nishnaabe people and as members of the Nishnaabe nation.

In addition to Nishnaabemwin language learning, students of the Nishnaabemwin Language Instructor Institute (NL&ll) Program will gain the skills necessary to teach the Nishnaabe language to second language learners. The need to regain the Nishnaabe language is crucial at this time in Upper Michigan. Bay Mills Community College has taken the lead in Native Language Studies.

THE PROGRAM

In keeping with the spirit of Bay Mills Community College's mission, the goal of the Nishnaabemwin Language & Instructor Institute (NL&II) is targeted for individuals who have a special commitment to regain and retain the Nishnaabe language and culture. The teaching and learning process of this program is developed in a manner that is unique and dynamic, Nishnaabe driven, and attempts to make a difference in the lives of the learners. In past history, the educational experiences of Nishnaabe people have not been pleasant and their rich culture largely unappreciated. This has changed dramatically in the past few years with the ever increasing awareness and enhancement of pride in this rich heritage. With this in mind, the development of the program has been done in a holistic–approach meaning integrating the language in all of the courses in the program. BMCC is privileged and proud to be a part of building of the academic tradition that will emerge with the pursuit of excellence in Nishnaabe language study and teaching.

PROGRAM GOALS

The program goals are as follows:

• To maintain the survival of Nishnaabe language and culture within the Tribal communities by providing opportunities for its study and creative use in the academic setting.
  
  
• To develop new approaches and skills in the use of Nishnaabemwin through research, teaching and production of materials.
  
  
• To introduce Nishnaabemwin to students who wish to learn it for self-growth, personal and professional reasons.
  
  
• To offer a framework from which the students will obtain knowledge and appreciation of Nishnaabemwin language and culture.
  
  
• To develop competent Nishnaabemwin speakers who possess a beginning to intermediate level of speaking proficiency.
  
  
• To provide students with the skills necessary for teaching Nishnaabemwin.

DIPLOMA
NISHNAABEMWIN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTOR INSTITUTE
OJIBWE LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
The Nishnaabemwin Language Instructors Institute (NLII) is designed to encourage and promote the understanding and preservation of the Ojibwe language and prepares the student to function as a language instructor. It is also designed to enhance students' cultural awareness and offer the student the opportunity to develop a functional command of the Nishnaabemwin language, which can be further expanded through additional study or through contact with other speakers of the language. Students will gain an understanding of the structure of the language, learn pedagogical principles and methods and techniques for teaching Nishnaabemwin.

This diploma program utilizes a holistic approach which integrates and incorporates the language throughout all courses. Instruction will be completed in 80%, 90%, and 100% immersion of the Ojibwe language respectively for years I, II, and Ill. This diploma requires three intensive six-week summer immersion sessions in Ojibwe language development and teaching methods. Students who complete the three NLII summer programs and follow up weekend sessions (Dagwaagi, Biboon, and Minookami) will receive a BMCC Diploma of Ojibwe Language Instruction Nishnaabemwin.

SUMMER—BASIC—YEAR ONE

Course #	Course Name	CREDITS
NI104	Nishnaabek Cultural Experience I	3
NI106	Nishnaabek Cultural Orthography/Grammar - Basic	3
NI108	Ojibwe Lnaguage Immersion - Basic	6
NI111	Dagwaagi/Biboon/Minookami -- Fall/Winter/Spring - Weekend Immersion Basic	3

TOTAL

15

SUMMER—INTERMEDIATE—YEAR TWO

		CREDITS
CS007	Computer Assisted Materials Development I	1
NI204	Nishnaabek Cultural Imvolvement & Research - Intermediate	3
NI206	Nishnaabek Cultural Orthography/Grammar - Intermediate	3
NI208	Ojibwe Lnaguage Immersion - Intermediate	3
NI209	Nishnaabe Language Teaching Methods	3
NI211	Dagwaagi/Biboon/Minokami - Weekend Immersion - Intermediate	3
	TOTAL	16

SUMMER—ADVANCED—YEAR THREE

		CREDITS
CS008	Computer Assisted Materials Development II	1
NI212	Dagwaagi/Biboon/Minokami - Weekend Immersion - Advanced	3
NI224	Nishnaabek Cultural Orthography/Grammar - Advanced	3
NI228	Ojibwe Lnaguage Immersion/Special Projects - Advanced	6
NI229	Teaching Methods & Curriculum Development - Advanced	3
NI231	Nishnaabe Child Development & the Classroom	3
	TOTAL	19

Required Credits for this Curriculum=50

Many of the above courses require pre-or-co requisites. Please consult the course description located at the end of this catalog.

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