A research team at the First Nations University of Canada has received federal funding to develop new educational resources that support Cree and Métis language learners. Led by Professor with Indigenous Knowledge & Science, Dr. Arzu Sardarli, Reanna Daniels, Indigenous Education Lecturer, and Ting Zhou, the project "Developing Open Educational Resources for Cree and Metis Language Learners" aims to strengthen Indigenous language learning by creating tools that help students better understand and pronounce mathematical terms.
The initiative began in October 2025 with support from the Department of Canadian Heritage. Over the course of the project, the team will work closely with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and two post-secondary students trained as research assistants.
Gathering Indigenous Knowledge
The project's first phase focuses on consultation with one Cree Elder and one Métis Knowledge Keeper. Their guidance will help shape how Indigenous knowledge-such as tipi geometry, beading patterns, and oral storytelling traditions incorporated into the new learning materials. Interviews will follow Indigenous protocols, with a research assistant providing technical support, including recording and transcription.
Developing New Language Resources
In its second phase, the team will produce a downloadable audio resource: a Cree Dictionary of Mathematical Terms, designed to support pronunciation and comprehension.
The third phase expands into land-based learning. The team will create lesson plans and classroom activities that integrate Cree and Métis cultural elements with mathematics instruction. Four lessons will be offered in Cree and one in the Métis language. All resources will be made available on a project website associated with FNUniv.
For more information
1 First Nations Way
Regina Saskatchewan
Canada S4S 7K2
www.fnuniv.ca
