Involving Community Members to Develop Culturally Relevant Word ...

Description of Data Collected
The community members shared stories on child rearing. They shared some of their memories
on how they raised their children and grandchildren. The first language spoken in each of their
homes was Cree. The English language was a very foreign language to them. Overall, most of
the community members indicated that they felt it was very important that students be taught
basic commands and familiar objects associated with their immediate surroundings. All of the
participants agreed that most of the learning occurs within the first five years of a child’s life.
This is the reason why their children learned to understand and to speak Cree. The selected list
of words and commands spoken in Cree can be emphasized and used in the appropriate context
within a classroom setting. It may be necessary to organize the classroom setting for learning by
immersing the students in a culturally relevant and appropriate learning environment. The target
language must be meaningful and purposeful for the children, therefore the participants also
stressed the importance of modelling by speaking the target language as much as possible in and
outside the classroom setting.
A brief summary of the recommended word lists, phrases, and cultural teachings collected thus
far is included with this report. The word lists and phrases are categorized under the headings:
Kindergarten, Grade One, Grade Two, Grade Three, and Grade Four. Furthermore, the word lists
and phrases for both Woodland and Plains (northern) Cree dialects make up a part of this report.
All the participants indicated that cultural values and teachings are embedded within the language.
They cannot be separated as children need to be taught virtues and to show respect toward
themselves, others, and their environment. The virtues are very important teachings to model so
that the children fully understand their significance and the impact they have upon their lives.
Issac McKenzie Susan McKenzie Henry Roberts
Albert Ross
Ida Tremblay
8 RESEARCH REPORT: Involving Community Members to Develop Culturally Relevant Word Lists for First Nations and Métis Students