International Year of Indigenous Languages. Using the CEFR to design language learning materials which revitalise Blackfoot as a living language to preserve the unique identity, cultural history, traditions and memory of Blackfoot peoples. In collaboration with the Kainai Board of Education during the IYIL2019.

1. Languages Without Borders 2019 - Fredericton, New
Brunswick - 4 May 2019

2. Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019

3. Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019

4. Oki, and welcome!
Assistant Coordinator, Blackfoot Language and Culture Program,
Kainai Board of Education, Blood Reserve, Southern Alberta
Curriculum Consultant/Instructional Designer, e3 Training
Calgary, Alberta (via Watford, Ontario)
Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Rosella Many Bears/Iitsoyohkomi
(Echoing in the Water)
Sheri Henderson

5. Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Ni’tsipowahsin
Traditional Territory
Retrieved from Google Maps
Retrieved from Glenbow Museum, Calgary

6. The Blackfoot language is listed as
“severely endangered” in UNESCO’s
Atlas of the World's Languages in
Danger.
To preserve the Ni’tsipowahsin
language, the Kainai Board of
Education is developing print and
digital learning resources for
students and teachers to position
Blackfoot at the centre of its K-12
education program.
In 2019, Ni’tsipowahsin immersion
will begin in Kindergarten.
Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019

7. Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Language nourishes the soul.
It is language which sustains a community and preserves
its culture and traditions.
Using a communicative, action-oriented approach, we
teach Blackfoot as a vital, living language in order to
preserve the unique identity, cultural history, traditions
and memory of Blackfoot peoples.

8. An authentic approach to language learning
• Understanding by Design or “Backwards Planning” as developed by Grant
Wiggins and Jay McTighe in 1998
• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning,
teaching, assessment published by the Council of Europe in 2001
• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning,
teaching, assessment: Companion volume with new descriptors published
by the Council of Europe in 2018
“Plurilingual and pluricultural competence”
Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019

9. A communicative approach
Oral communication – listening and speaking – is
paramount for second-language acquisition.
If students hear it, they can say it. If students can say
it, they can read it. And if students can read it, they
can write it.
Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
From French as a Second Language, Ontario Ministry of Education (p.9)

10. Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Themes – KG to Grade 3The sounds of
Blackfoot

11. Blackfoot – in print, digital, social media
Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Click here for video on Kainai Board of Education’s Facebook page.

12. Locations, Institutions, Persons, Objects, Events, Operations,Texts
Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF- Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Personal, Public, Occupational, Educational
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Domains
External Context of Use
An action-oriented approach to language learning

13. Using the CEFR Domains: Grades 4-6
Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Table 5. External
context of use:
descriptive
categories
Common European
Framework of
Reference for
Languages:
learning, teaching,
assessment ,2001 –
pp. 48-49

14. Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Click here for video on Kainai Board of Education’s Facebook page.

15. Clarence Plain (left) and Chief Lloyd Williams (right) adopt John Henderson into the community, naming
him “Nee Kon Nis Shebwasah Keeshig – Brother Clear Sky.”
Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
Aamjiwnaang First Nation – August 1956

16. Languages Without Borders 2019 LSF - Fredericton, New Brunswick - 4 May 2019
The International Year of Indigenous Languages highlights the very
real risks of linguistic extinction faced by indigenous communities
around the world. By working together to recognize, celebrate and
value indigenous languages, we can ensure they are not lost to
future generations.
Niiyi’takssin to our sponsor, APTN. Thank you. Merci. Danke. Miigwech. ‫جزيال‬ ‫شكرا‬