The Manitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy (MALS) was created to revitalize, retain and promote the seven Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba. MALS is committed to sharing, developing, and promoting Aboriginal language resources throughout the province.
MALS BrochureManitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy (MALS) was created to promote, revitalize, and support Aboriginal Languages throughout Manitoba. Ancestral knowledge, as carried in our languages, songs, stories, community histories, and other key practices and customs, connect and bridge generations. The languages of First Nations, Métis and Inuit teach us about who we are as a people. Language creates a strong connection from the past to the present and helps shape Indigenous identity. We recognize the importance of land and the role that the land plays in connecting to our language and history. We also recognize that learning can take place beyond the walls of a classroom and youth will lead the way.
In this “International Decade of Indigenous Languages”, MALS is pleased to host a two-day language symposium. We invite Knowledge Keepers, Elders, educators, students and other interested community members to this year’s symposium. This year’s symposium theme is “teca oyate hena dakota wicohan yuha mani pte: Empowering Youth to Lead the Way in Language”. The symposium will take February 21-22, 2024 at Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park. We encourage you to come and share in two days of language celebration and revitalization.
To register and/or submit an abstract form, please visit: MALS 2024 | Indigenous Conferences
Keynote SpeakersPartnership Agreement
A Partnership Agreement was signed on September 21, 2015 by four lead organizations including the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), University College of the North (UCN), and the Indigenous Languages of Manitoba (ILM).
The Manitoba Education and Training–Indigenous Inclusion Directorate (IID), Indigenous Languages of Manitoba (ILM), Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Center (MFNERC) and the University College of the North (UCN) provide Aboriginal language education, teacher training, develop education programs and provide services in Aboriginal languages.
Membership and representatives consists of Grandparents from each of the Manitoba Aboriginal Languages groups, and representatives of leaders from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) education organizations, provincial school divisions and post-secondary institutions.
Partner Representatives:
Intent of the Partners
Guiding Principles
The Manitoba Aboriginal Language Strategy (MALS) is privileged and honoured to receive ongoing guidance from the MALS Council of Grandparents comprised of fluent speakers and sacred traditional knowledge keepers. These Grandparents represent each of the seven Aboriginal language groups found in Manitoba.
It is important to recognize that the Grandparents are the foundation of MALS. Grandparents’ provide knowledge, experiences and the first hand information required for the implementation of MALS actions and Strategy. Grandparents support and validate decisions recommended by MALS Working Groups. When needed, the Grandparents will provide mentorship to the various working groups within MALS.
The MALS Grandparents Council holds four meetings per year, which are a part from all other MALS meetings. These meetings provide the Grandparents with the opportunity to consult with each other, to discuss issues of concern, to communicate in their languages, to share stories, and to promote an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie in the Council.
MALS would like to recognize late Mosoom Don Robertson for all his work in helping to retain, revitalize, and promote Aboriginal languages.
Nation: Dakota
Language: Dakota
Nation: Inuit
Language: Inuktitut
Nation: Denesulline
Language: Dene
Nation: Ojibwe-Cree
Language: Ansininemowin
Nation: Ojibwe
Language: Anishnaabemowin
Nation: Métis
Language: Michif
Nation: Métis
Language: Michif
Nation: Cree
Language: Ininimowin