The Project
The “NowPlay” project, which stands for “Northern Oral Language and Writing Through Play,” is a research initiative focused on promoting Indigenous children’s language and literacy development through play-based learning, particularly by incorporating Indigenous cultures, stories, and languages into early childhood education settings.
‘Wenesh Niin’: Laying the foundation of the Spirit Within
‘Wenesh Niin’: Laying the foundation of the Spirit Within
3 December 2024, 11:00am – 12:00pm, AEDT, Online
Summary
NOWPlay is proud to present “Wenesh Niin: Who Am I?”, a comprehensive teacher’s resource designed to assist educators in understanding and supporting a child’s journey. Created by educators Yvette and Jacinta Manitowabi, this resource blends Anishinaabe teachings with the Ontario Curriculum to revitalize Anishinaabemowin language and culture while nurturing students’ identities. Through holistic, land-based learning approach, it encourages educators to create meaningful environments that connect language, writing, and community.
In this presentation, we will highlight some of the activities that are presented in this resource.
Speakers
Anishinaabe Kwe from Wikwemikong First Nation and a part of the Bear Clan, Jacinta is currently teaching in a partial Immersion kindergarten classroom. She started out as an Early Childhood Educator and later worked at becoming a teacher. Jacinta’s love of Anishinaabemowin and Land Based Learning supports the action research she does with the Northern Oral Language and Writing (NOW Play) through OISE.
Yvette Manitowabi is from the Three Fire Confederacy, Ojibway, Odawa, Potawatomi Nation, of Wikwemikong ON. Canada, land of the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory. She is a Anishinaabe Kew, Nokomis (Grandmother), Knowledge Keeper, and Teacher giving back to her community. She was instrumental in bringing Local Developed courses to their High School. She has taught in a Section 19 classroom, Primary, Jr Level and Play Base Kindergarten. Level-up classroom. Her journey continues with her focus on giving students a strong sense of identity, revitalize their ancestral language and connection to Creator. Presently working as Research Assistant NOW Play, OISE, University of Toronto
Recording
