WAASABIIK OJIBWEMOTAADIWIN IMMERSION PROGRAM
Aaniin
Boozhoo
I See Your Light.
Waasabiik Ojibwemotaadiwin Immersion Program
The Ojibwe Language Immersion Program provides early education to 3 and 4 year-old children in Red Lake, Minnesota. We use a cultural-based curriculum grounded in Ojibwe values and an academic foundation rooted in traditional teachings to give every student a rich, educational experience inside and outside the classroom.
Our program is possible because of our community of Ojibwe Elders who speak the native language, share the stories of past generations and provide hands-on learning alongside our teachers.
Our Program Details
Land-Based, Cultural and Academic Learning Environment
An inner light shines within each child. The passion behind our program is to make this light glow even brighter. We believe connection is a big part of creating a love for learning and building confidence—connection to mother nature, their Ojibwe heritage, peers and teachers.
Our students explore using cultural activities to understand our relationship with the land, air, water, plants and animals. Through the valuable lessons nature offers along with academic-centered learning, our program meets all core educational requirements to prepare children for elementary school.
Program Schedule
Learn. Play. Grow.
Our school year is from September to June.
Tuesday – Friday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Extended Care Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
A Typical Day
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM:
Extended Care Hours
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM:
Biindigeng-come in
Anamikaagewin- greeting
Waakaabing-circle time
Nookwezigewin- smudging
Asemaakewin-tobacco
Da gaagiigido gichi aya’aa- elder talk
Giziibiigininjiig- everyone wash hands before breakfast
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM:
Gigizhebaawiisiwin-breakfast
Biinichigeg gakina awiya- everyone clean up after breakfast, kids have choice until next circle time
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM:
Waakaabing- circle time, lesson planned themes based on seasons
10:20 AM – 10:45 AM:
Smart Board-activities, table time/worksheets
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM:
Wiiji’idiwin- kids work with partners, choice time, all staff assists with partner groups
11:05 AM – 11:15 AM:
Giizhoopizowin-dressing warm to go outside
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM:
Agwajiing- outside time/inside gym time
11:50 AM – 12:00 PM:
Biindigeg gakina awiya- coming inside, put clothes away
Giziibiigininjiig- everyone wash hands
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM:
Naawakwe wiisiniwin-Lunch
Biinichigeg gakina awiya- everyone clean up after lunch
Giziiyaabide’owin- brushing teeth
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM:
Nagamowin-singing after lunch
Niimiwin-dancing after lunch
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM:
Ani azhegiiweng- Kids get ready to go home
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM:
Optional Extended Care
At the heart of it all-
Community.
Our community of Ojibwe elders supports our teaching principles through their experience and wisdom, giving the next generation of students the resources needed to be lifelong learners and celebrate indigenous culture. The elder’s knowledge of the language, traditions and tribe history provides a cultural experience that nurtures each child’s intellectual, social, physical and moral development.
About:
Our program is named after a prominent, late-respected elder of the Ojibwe Tribe, Waasabiik. We feel honored to learn from past generations and to pass down their stories and lessons to our children. Storytelling connects our students to Mother Earth’s greatest learning environment – Nature.
Our Vision:
Our Red Lake Anishinaabeg will be lifelong, traditional language & culture learners grounded in their true, inherent identities confidently leading seven generations to come.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to provide a safe Ojibewemowin learning space for our children while nurturing each child’s intellectual, social, physical, and moral development in an academic, Anishinaabeg-rich environment.