DoomsdaysCWFuture looks bleak for #Anihšināpēmowin, other language programs at #FirstNationsUniversity
“It's been a challenge, and I felt let down by FNU,” a student says
Darla Ponace · CBC News · Posted: Jan 16, 2026 6:00 AM EST | Last Updated: January 16
Excerpt: "For nearly two decades, Lorena Lynn Cote has taught Anihšināpēmowin at First Nations University of Canada.
"Cote, an assistant professor in the Department of Indigenous Languages, said she's losing faith in the university's commitment to ensuring the restoration and revitalization of the #Saulteaux language.
"When she first started teaching there, she was proud to say she worked at a university where #Indigenous students could re-learn their languages and even get degrees in Indigenous languages in hopes of keeping them alive, but things have changed over the years, Cote said.
"The only language degree now offered is in #Cree, and other languages are no longer being taught at higher levels, she said.
"She is sad and feels hopeless in the fight to keep advocating for the language program her aunt helped to create, Cote told CBC News.
" 'Our language classes have been getting cancelled,' she said. 'We do offer the 100 and 101, and that's just basic introductory language.' "
#CulturalPreservation #LanguageIsLife #NativeAmericanNews #IndigenousLanguages
Future looks bleak for Anihšināpēmowin, other language programs at First Nations University | CBC News
The program, along with other Indigenous Language programs at the university, faces difficulties as classes have been cut down. This situation raises concerns about the fate of language learning.