Paswe'aatigook Anishinaabemowin Language Foundations
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Program Overview
The Paswe'aatigook Anishinaabemowin Language Foundations program is a one-year Ontario college certificate program in which students interested in learning their language and culture are immersed in a learning environment that is located in-community at the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (COTTFN), southwest of London, Ontario. The primary purpose of this language learning program is to prepare the graduate to be able to speak Anishinaabemowin at a functional level and with conversational fluency and to continue their language learning journey with knowledge of the culture.
Program Details
Program Code
PAF1
Credential:
Certificate
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
30 Weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2026 September
London Campus Off Site
Open
Your Learning Experience
The Paswe'aatigook Anishinaabemowin Language Foundations certificate begins your foundation journey to speaking and understanding Anishinaabemowin, connecting you to Anishnaabe ways of being, traditional values, and culture. Using an immersive foundational approach students will develop basic speaking, reading, and listening skills in Anishinaabemowin. You will also learn how to write the language by studying writing systems and practicing Anishinaabemowin grammar structures. To build fluency and confidence in Anishinaabemowin, you will practice vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills with classmates, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.
The program further embeds experiential learning opportunities to practice Anishinaabemowin through land-based activities, emphasizing the vital connection between language and culture. Paswe 'Aatigook means "echo amongst the trees" in Anishinaabemowin. The name was gifted to the program by Richard Assinewai, Anishnaabe from Wikwemikong First Nation.
Fanshawe College honours the Jay Treaty by offering domestic tuition rates to Native American students from the United States. Please contact admissions@fanshawec.ca for more information about how to apply.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1. Communicate at an introductory level in Anishnaabemowin including reading, writing, listening and speaking to develop functional literacy skills.
2. Use the Fiero writing system as it relates to Anishnaabemowin to express ideas and tell stories in a variety of contexts.
3. Identify spoken Anishnaabemowin in a variety of contexts within and outside the community.
4. Sustain Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing inherent in Anishnaabemowin through knowledge sharing of Anishnaabe cultural values and history.
5. Speak with peers and community members using introductory functional oral fluency in Anishnaabemowin to revitalize the language and develop confidence speaking Anishnaabemowin.
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Monty McGahey
Academic Advisor:
Bev Antone-Collar
Admission Requirements
OSSD (with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M), or Open (O) stream), or equivalent, or mature applicant.
Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
Recommended Personal Preparation
Recommended Personal Preparation
Interested applicants can speak to program staff and have their questions answered to help determine if this program is suited for them.Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available
spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will
be:
- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date,
Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come,
first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
The following items are applicable to the program and are time
sensitive. Students will be advised of the processes to follow to
acquire the following requirements prior to field placement.
- This program incorporates a field placement.
- Placement Agreement will confirm any further requirements based on location specific needs (e.g., Police Record Check, first aid, immunizations, etc.).
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course. | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| LANG-1007 | Language Foundations 1 | 9 | ||
| This course is designed to provide introductory Anishinaabemowin to learners with no experience with the language. The content includes fundamental language structures including vocabulary, grammar and common conversational scenarios. Learners will become familiar with the Fiero writing system (understanding the double vowel sounds characteristics). By the end of this course, learners will have a solid foundation of basic grammar patterns and vocabulary and be able to use simple sentences. | ||||
| LANG-1008 | Language Application & Culture 1 | 6 | ||
| This course is designed to give students real-life experience working with the fundamental language structures of Anishinaabemowin to increase their confidence in acquiring the literacy and numeracy skills. Students will work in small groups refining language skills and focusing on equity, diversity and cultural awareness. They will also work in small groups to experience different cultural concepts such as music, dance, and visual arts. By the end of this course, learners will be able to use simple spoken Anishinaabemowin in casual settings. | ||||
| WRIT-1091 | Reason & Writing 1-Indigenous Themes | 3 | ||
| Course Description: This course introduces students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the post-secondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. Course content will emphasize contemporary Indigenous themes and issues. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London - Off-site
[1] Total program costs are approximate and subject to change. They do not include additional fees such as the health and dental plan, bus pass, or general expenses. Learn more about ancillary and additional fees.