Utoo Radio with Other News Sources - August 27, 2024 - In a remarkable endeavour, Barbara Nolan, an esteemed Anishinaabemowin teacher, has unveiled her inaugural collection of animated Anishinaabemowin videos designed specifically for young learners.
After meeting Esbikenh, a teacher at Anishinaabeg Kinomaagewgamig, a language immersion school in Bkejwanong, Nolan couldn't resist taking on the project. Her reputation for storytelling made it an obvious choice. Nolan journeyed to the Sarnia area to capture her stories, while Esbikenh took charge of costumes, editing, lighting, and animatics. Colleen Nolan, the daughter of Nolan, took charge of the logistical aspects and even set up a TikTok account for her mother.
This move was aimed at helping her mother reach a wider audience in her language teaching endeavours. Colleen's daughter is now dedicated to assisting Nolan in getting the videos released.
To accomplish this, she has established a YouTube channel where all the children's language videos will eventually be uploaded. A new project has been launched with the goal of introducing Anishinaabemowin to children and fostering their enthusiasm for language learning. The videos are targeted towards early learning and daycare settings, with Nolan expressing his hope that they will bring enjoyment to both children and adults.
The Anishinabek Nation, a political advocacy group representing 39 First Nations in Ontario, has generously provided funding for the creation and release of 10 educational videos aimed at children, focusing on the Anishinaabemowin language.
During the launch, all 10 videos were showcased in their entirety.
Garden River Child and Family Services has already committed to funding the next 10 children's Anishinaabemowin videos.
Colleen Nolan, an experienced language commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation, has dedicated years to teaching Anishinaabemowin. Her journey began as a child and family counsellor. She has discovered the power of immersing oneself in language learning and now incorporates this technique into her latest videos, ensuring that children can fully grasp and comprehend the language in an enjoyable and meaningful manner.
Nolan's interest in education sparked at a young age during her time as a child and family counsellor with the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board in Sault Ste. Marie. She has incorporated immersion techniques into her latest videos, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in the language while having fun and gaining a deeper understanding. Nolan emphasizes the critical importance of the Anishinaabe people preserving their language as a means of cultural cohesion and survival.
