Learning Bird has partnered with Simon Jacob Memorial Education Centre since 2018 to support the school’s vision of delivering holistic programming grounded in Oji-Cree language, culture, and land-based learning.
Our collaboration began with the development of Oji-Cree language resources for young learners. Webequie First Nation speaks a unique dialect of Oji-Cree, making it difficult for language teachers to use material from other communities. We worked with their language team to record local speakers and produce a series of illustrated videos focused on animals, foods, weather, and basic greetings.
We then shifted focus to youth media training with students in grades 6-8. Through a series of virtual workshops, students learned to conduct interviews, set up audio equipment, and capture video footage. We supported students as they documented local Knowledge Keepers demonstrating how to sew ribbon skirts, build and use a bow and arrow, and construct a teepee.
How to Make a Teepee
How to Make a Ribbon Skirt
Following this, our teams turned their attention to the K–3 immersion program. In collaboration with teachers, we identified six key topics that needed additional support and developed a set of connected resources for each. Each set included an illustrated conversation video, a printable storybook, and a classroom activity or handout. These resources helped reduce teachers’ workload, as they had previously been creating all materials from scratch.
Fall Storybook
The following year, we added printed materials to support daily classroom routines. These included Oji-Cree calendars with day and month labels, posters for weather, seasons, and emotions, classroom labels, and a large seasonal calendar designed to reinforce language use and connect learning to the land and cultural teachings.
Our most recent work focuses on developing a holistic K–6 curriculum rooted in Oji-Cree language, cultural values, and seasonal cycles. Organized by grade and season, the curriculum reflects the unique identity of Webequie First Nation. We look forward to expanding it to Grades 7 and 8 and continuing to co-create custom resources that support learning across all grades.
“The Learning Bird team has been an incredible partner in helping us create resources that reflect our community and support our unique dialect of Oji-Cree. They provided invaluable guidance in developing our holistic Oji-Cree language and culture curriculum. Our team of Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and educators really enjoyed working together to develop the curriculum. This process brought our education team closer together, and the curriculum will provide our students with relevant culture and language programming.”
Mary Gardiner, Principal
Simon Jacob Memorial Education Centre
