The Manitoba government is protecting Indigenous languages with more than $4.5 million to support new Indigenous language degree programs at the University of Winnipeg and University College of the North, Premier Wab Kinew and Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced on October 20.
"Preserving the Indigenous languages of our province means passing them on to future generations. Indigenous youth will be healthier if they can speak the traditional language of their communities," said Kinew. "These programs train a new generation of fluent Indigenous language speakers and teachers to carry on Manitoba's Indigenous traditions."
At the University of Winnipeg, the Manitoba government is providing $2.3 million to establish a bachelor of arts in Indigenous language immersion in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), Manitoba's first immersion degree program designed for second-language learners. The program will develop fluent speakers and provide a pathway to teacher certification, helping fill immersion teaching positions across the province.
"We are pleased to partner with the Province of Manitoba on this exciting and important initiative," said Dr. Todd Mondor, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. "This new language immersion programming builds on our long-standing commitment to Indigenous language education. Led by accomplished Indigenous language scholars and speakers, this work will have a profound and lasting impact as we move forward on the path of reconciliation. As a university in the heart of Winnipeg that serves learners from across the city and province, we are proud to add this innovative programming to support Indigenous student success and Indigenous research in Manitoba."
At the University College of the North (UCN), the Manitoba government is supporting a new bachelor of Indigenous languages program focused on fluency development in Ininimowin (Cree).
"The launch of UCN's bachelor of Indigenous languages marks a profound and historic moment for the school," said Doug Lauvstad, president and vice-chancellor of UCN. "This program reflects UCN's mandate to serve northern and Indigenous communities and represents a tangible step toward reconciliation. UCN understands that language is culture. Language carries stories, wisdom and worldviews from one generation to the next. By actively engaging in the language revitalization, we are not just teaching words, we are empowering communities to reclaim and strengthen their cultural identities. This degree will help create a new generation of fluent speakers, educators and leaders who will carry their traditional languages into the future, strengthening the fabric of our communities for generations to come."
The Manitoba government has provided $1.49 million for capital costs to retrofit UCN campus space into a new Centre for Aboriginal Languages and Culture and $759,000 to support program operations.
"These programs will create structured and sustained post-secondary pathways that empower Indigenous students to lead language revitalization efforts in Manitoba," said Cable. "They will support students in becoming future Indigenous language teachers, increase opportunities for learning in both northern and urban communities, and help students strengthen the cultural and linguistic foundations that will shape future generations."
Both programs are anticipated to begin in January 2026 with intake opening now, the minister noted.
These programs support the implementation of the Public Schools Amendment Act (Indigenous Languages of Instruction) by helping bring Indigenous languages into Manitoba classrooms from kindergarten through post-secondary education.
