BAY MILLS - According to Bay Mills Community College's Language Institute Director Doris Boissoneau, Nishnaabemwin is alive and flourishing at BMCC.
"BMCC is the hub of bringing awareness of the language of our people," Boissoneau said. "All of our past graduates are working with the language and culture in different areas within the state of Michigan. The honor, commitment and respect this college has given to them is commendable. It's a pleasure to know BMCC is fighting to keep our language and culture alive."
Boissoneau, who has been heading the language institute since the first Nishnaabemwin class was offered 10 years ago, said she is excited to see how the program has grown and to see all the new speakers of the language it has produced. This year, the Nishnaabemwin Language Institute will be offering their six-week, 50 percent immersion, Anishinaabe Language and Cultural Program class, from June 19 until July 26. Anyone interested in attending can register at the college, Boissoneau said, adding that those interested should register early.
The 12-credit course and certificate program features three classes that are designed for beginners to introduce them to the language and culture. The first class, Anishinaabek Cultural Experience, will teach students about the various clan systems, traditions and spiritual words. The second class, Cultural Orthography, will teach students everyday dialogue and expressions. The third class, Ojibwe Language Immersion, features total language immersion with games, meals, crafts and field trips. All of the classes will be offered at the BMCC Learning Lodge and Cultural Center.
"This is a beginners course designed to introduce them to the language," she said of the Anishinaabe Language and Cultural Program. "Hopefully, our students that attend this program will get motivated to go on to Track 2 (teacher training.) And hopefully, they will learn that 'being Native' means that it is our responsibility to keep our language, our culture, and our history alive."
BMCC President Mickey Parish said that if significant strides weren't taken elsewhere within the next couple of years, the chances of preserving the language would be seriously reduced. Thankfully, for all, BMCC will be at the forefront in the revitalization process.
"The Bay Mills Indian Community, through BMCC, has really taken the leadership role in making sure the language and culture is preserved in the state of Michigan," he said. "More and more the college is becoming recognized as the leader in providing the Nishnabemwin language."
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