Paswe'aatigook Anishinaabemowin Language Immersion
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Program Overview
The Paswe'aatigook Anishinaabemowin Language Immersion program is a two-year accelerated diploma 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. This program also includes courses related to the skills involved in sharing the language with others, teaching children and adult education theory, which will provide a pathway to further studies in complementary careers such as those in community services.
Program Details
Program Code
PAI1
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 Weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2026 May
London Campus Off Site
Open
2026 September
London Campus Off Site
Open
Your Learning Experience
Paswe’aatigook means “echoing amongst the trees” in Anishinaabemowin. This name was gifted to the program by Richard Assinewai, Anishnaabe from Wikwemikong First Nation. The Paswe’aatigook Anishinaabemowin Language Immersion two-year accelerated program is for 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 program’s structure will follow the typical semester structure offered at Fanshawe and will support the scaffolding of language skills while enabling the immersive and cultural integration qualities of the program to be the strongest part of the program. It will also include some courses related to skills involved in sharing the language with others, teaching children and adult education theory, which will provide a pathway to further studies in complementary careers such as those in Community Services.
You will also complete an unpaid 60-hour practicum as part of their capstone course at the end of the program, during which you will apply your skills to sharing the Anishinaabemowin language with others in a variety of settings. An integration seminar to support the integration of theory and practice will be offered while you are completing your placement. You will be able to work with a variety of age groups, young and old, as they learn skills to share their language. The practicum will take place in a variety of settings depending on the your area of interest and the availability of those settings.
This program will be delivered in a blended format with an emphasis on experiential learning. You will participate in experiential learning activities such as ceremony, land-based teachings, and community engagement opportunities such as youth and children-focused events connected to the child care center and youth drop-in program.
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. Use the Anishnaabemowin language and Fiero writing system to express ideas and share in storytelling.
2. Apply Anishnaabe cultural values and worldview to teaching/sharing of the language with others.
3. Use spoken Anishinaabemowin in a variety of environmental contexts to engage in conversations with students, community members, and other language speakers.
4. Collaborate with organization both within and outside the community to help revitalize and preserve Anishinaabemowin.
5. Design and lead effective language-learning activities in small groups, that reflect cultural values, worldview, and storytelling traditions.
6. Design and create a variety of resources to share during storytelling and other teaching or sharing opportunities.
7. Demonstrate an awareness of the interconnectedness of language knowledge in relation to self, community, and nation.
8. Develop strategies for personal and professional development in support of lifelong learning.
9. Develop, implement, and archive language resources in Anishinaabemowin to contribute to revitalization and preservation of the language.
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Monty McGahey
Academic Advisor:
Bev Antone-Collar
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a 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.