The Cree School Board’s 6th Education Symposium attracted over 700 teachers, commissioners and other participants to Le Centre Sheraton in Montreal October 13-15 to discuss the theme of Cree culture and language in identity construction.
Director General Caroline Mark urged attendees to put Cree ways first in all they do, emphasizing that everyone present had a role to play.
“We felt it was important to celebrate how our board is moving forward in many ways and talk about where we’re going,” explained Chairperson Sarah Pashagumskum. “We’re focusing on the fundamentals right now to ensuring student success.”
An extensive regional assessment process conducted during the Covid pandemic confirmed what teachers had said for years: students were struggling with Cree language proficiency. Evaluations revealed that most younger children couldn’t understand Cree, prompting the CSB to immediately adopt language-development measures.
“The results of the study pointed to the fact we’re in an era of language shift,” Pashagumskum said. “Giving them the gift of language will support their success throughout life. It’s a huge factor in school engagement, their own feelings of self-worth and feeling empowered to build their own future.”
The data management department was recently established to standardize student improvement. It closely tracks development across the region to target resources to where they’re most needed. A structured Cree literacy program is now part of early elementary classes.
Many retired teachers returned to classrooms as part of the CSB’s mentorship program, providing teacher support and enriching student vocabulary. The successful initiative has been extended throughout elementary and secondary grades.
“We have our teatime with Elders program,” added Pashagumskum. “Finding innovative ways to bring Elders into our classrooms is that next step on our decolonizing journey, a closer approximation to our traditional education system where Elders were so central to teaching our young people.”
In June, the CSB’s iiyiyiuiyihtiwin Research & Development team celebrated the first year of the Grade 1 Cree language immersion pilot project. Teachers and mentors shared the benefits of small class sizes and circle time while emphasizing the need for more parental involvement.
The CSB is also promoting initiatives like the popular Cree children’s show John and Friends, whose puppets made an appearance at the symposium. The James Bay Cree Communications Society launched Cree TV to showcase John and Friends and productions like Speak Cree to Me.
Land-based education is now part of Cree culture classes in all elementary and secondary grades. This component is being integrated into all subject areas, asserting that Cree knowledge and traditions are just as valid as Western approaches.
“It’s important for our students to see themselves in everything they’re doing,” said Pashagumskum. “Our people have always been scientists, passing down medicines and knowledge of land and animals from generation to generation. Our traditional technologies have been so important to our ability to thrive in this territory.”
Successful elementary school programs are moving into secondary levels. Last year, Big River High School in Chisasibi launched land-based approaches in science, geography, English language and art. Another land-based program is running in Ouje-Bougoumou this year.
“I try to use all the Cree culture periods to take students on the land behind our trails,” explained Waswanipi teacher Flora (Lolly) Otter. “There’s a lot of teachings from the land so they’re very engaged. Sometimes students won’t speak Cree in class. Outside they’re not shy – I always feel like the bush hugs you.”
Otter delivered a symposium presentation in Cree about how she incorporates culture and identity into her classes. Raised in the bush, where her parents remain full-time hunters and trappers, Otter credited the University of Saskatchewan’s online Master’s program in Indigenous land-based education for giving her public-speaking confidence.
Her father, Matthew Ottereyes, recently joined a classroom demonstration of butchering a moose, which was donated by Donovan Blacksmith. Otter showed students that no parts of the animal are wasted.
“I tell them when you kill your first moose you have to give it all away to teach you humility,” said Otter. “You have to thank the moose because its spirit goes back to the land and tells other animals to provide for you. We put the plate in the fire to give food to the spirits so we still remember.”
While many students say they can’t go to the bush, Otter’s family tree exercise showed which trapline their ancestors were connected to. She tells them the tallyman has to share that land and suggests talking with them if they want to build a cabin there.
A recent lesson shared the significance of the sīsīkwan (traditional baby rattle). Made from birch or tamarack and the hide of caribou or moose, it encloses pebbles or the partridge’s food bag and makes a calming sound that evokes water hitting rocks or wind blowing through the leaves.
“My dad said it’s important for students to have one when they go down south,” said Otter. “He told us to close our eyes and asked where that sound takes you. When you ever feel lonely or sad, it will bring you back home for a moment.”
Otter appreciated the symposium’s workshops, particularly a net-weaving session hosted by Job Masty. The event included traditional dancers, fun activities and an elaborate banquet.
While school attendance around 70% remains a concern, the CSB highlighted progress in literacy and adult learning. Chisasibi’s vocational centre is nearing completion and Whapmagoostui’s is breaking ground next spring. Plans include future facilities in Eastmain and Nemaska.
“It’s a powerful step forward to support community and economic development, allowing our young people to continue their education within their communities,” said Pashagumskum. “All of this is done from an Eeyou worldview, honouring our identity in a very practical way. I’m excited that this is becoming a reality.”