Little girl with long pointer, pointing at wall of colors and shapes in Ojibwe classroom.

Nine students playing a game with numbers on the floor. They are stopping on the numbers.

Students in the Ojibwe classroom, seated at their desk cutting and pasting paper. Fur pelts are on the wall and there is snow outside the window.

Ojibwe Language & Culture

Boozhoo! Hello!

The Ojibwe Language and Culture program is one of four language programs taught at ICS. Each family chooses the language they would like their child(ren) to learn, and lessons begin in K4 and continue through 8th grade. Our Ojibwe Language and Culture teachers are:

Valerie Clark / Miskwaadisikwe
Teacher

Desiree Henry / Anishinaabekwe
Apprentice

Younger students begin language learning of numbers, colors, calendars, weather terms, animals, mini conversations, introductions, games, and activities in Ojibwe, such as red light/ green light, Duck, duck goose, Simon says, and stretching exercises. 

Students in 2-4 grade focus on getting familiar with reading and writing. Grades 5 through 8 focus on verbal engagement through speaking exercises and activities with verbal instructions in the language. Learning Ojibwe is also accomplished through outdoor-related activities and special guests who assist with language and culture learning. 

Parents are encouraged to engage students at home, using the handouts, online links, and posted materials shared throughout the school year.