A person wearing a virtual reality head set and holding hand controls

Begin your foundational journey to speaking and understanding Anishnaabemowin

Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language) Ontario College Certificate program

Develop Anishnaabemowin speaking, reading and listening skills. Connect to Anishnaabe ways of being, traditional values and history. Engage with peers in our Indigenous virtual reality worlds!

Learn on campus or online: With dual synchronous delivery, study in person with faculty and peers, or learn remotely from your community. The choice is yours. Both options include real-time interactions, field trips (in person or virtual) and more!

Program code MAAJ
Duration 1 year
Credential Ontario College Certificate
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In-person and hybrid option What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

The Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa certificate begins your foundational journey to speaking and understanding Anishnaabemowin, connecting you to Anishnaabe ways of being, traditional values, and history. Using an immersive approach and exploring themes such as home and community, you develop speaking, reading, and listening skills in Anishnaabemowin. You also learn how to write the language by studying writing systems and practicing Anishnaabemowin grammar structures. To build fluency and confidence in Anishnaabemowin, you practice vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills with classmates, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers, and through the use of immersive virtual reality (VR) technology. The program further embeds experiential learning opportunities to practice Anishnaabemowin within the community and through land-based activities, emphasizing the vital connection between language and culture.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2024 Barrie

Tuition and fees

What are the admission requirements for the Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language) program?

Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language) admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status with

  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Additional information

Upon completion of the one year certificate program, students have the opportunity to continue their Anishnaabemowin learning journey by transitioning to Anishnaabemowin and Program Development – a diploma that focusses on language and skills development in order to create and implement sustainable Anishnaabemowin programs in Indigenous communities and organizations. 

What career paths can I take in Anishnaabemowin and language?

Your Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language) certificate gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of this program may find employment in Indigenous organizations, daycares, Indigenous Friendship Centres, and First Nation communities. 

Why study Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language) at Georgian?

Program highlights

  • Receive an award-winning education in a culturally inclusive learning environment
  • Gain a personal connection to Anishnaabe culture through language
  • Enter into a field with expanding career opportunities
  • Surround yourself with other like-minded language champions
  • Develop innovative Anishnaabemowin resources that can be used in your future language career
  • Access the many support services available in the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre
  • Study online or in person
  • Pathways to degree opportunities available
  • Enjoy experiential learning opportunities and engage with peers in our Indigenous virtual reality worlds!
Anishnaabemowin champions: In this video series, hear from local Anishnaabemowin champions about their Anishnaabemowin journey and the importance of language revitalization.

What courses are included in the Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language) certificate program?

Course overview

9 Program Courses
2 Anishnaabemowin Labs
Communications Courses
1 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language) program outline.

  • ANPD 1000 – History of Anishnaabemowin
  • ANPD 1001 – Writing Systems
  • ANPD 1002 – Verbs and Nouns 1
  • ANPD 1003 – Language in the Home
  • INDG 1001 – Indigenous Heritage, Tradition and Culture
  • ANPD 1010 – Anishnaabemdaa 1
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In-person and hybrid option

In this program, some courses will provide an option to choose fully in person or fully online. You’ll choose one delivery method, that fits your circumstances, for the duration of the semester.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Do you have questions about Maajii-Anishnaabemdaa (Start Speaking the Language)? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact Michele O’Brien, Program Coordinator to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

Questions about Indigenous Services at Georgian?

Contact Alicia Thompson, Community Liaison Officer, Indigenous Services to learn more.

Ways to connect

Campus Experience Week at Georgian College

Get ready for Campus Experience Week from April 16 to 20 happening at all Georgian campuses!
Learn more and RSVP.

Campus tours

Take a guided, in-person tour
of our campuses.
Book a campus tour.

One-on-one appointments

Book a phone appointment
with a recruitment specialist.
Connect with a recruiter.

Join our mailing list

Join our email list for event updates, contest information and more.
Sign up for Georgian updates.