Languages and Culture
Aboriginal language programs are offered from Kindergarten to grade 12 in schools across Alberta, either through provincial Aboriginal Languages Programs of Study or as Locally Developed Courses.
Languages can be studied as a second language course series, an immersion program (80% of school day in language of instruction) or a bilingual program (50% of the day).
Learning Languages in Alberta
Find information about language courses, funding, professional development, and resources for students, parents and teachers.
Additional Supports:
- Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute (CILLDI) is a summer program held annually at the University of Alberta which offers a variety of courses of interest to Aboriginal language teachers.
- Western and Northern Canadian Protocol on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Website. This site contains links to Aboriginal education and language resources in the Western and Northern provinces and territories.
- The WNCP Common Curriculum Framework for Aboriginal Language and Culture Programs: Kindergarten to Grade 12 View the WNCP curriculum framework for Aboriginal language and culture programs.
Aboriginal Languages Programs
Alberta Education develops and implements programs and resources, and has enabling policy, to support the study of Aboriginal languages and cultures in Kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms throughout Alberta. Find information about Alberta's provincial Aboriginal Language and Culture programs of study.
Learning Languages in Alberta
Find information about language courses, funding, professional development, and resources for students, parents and teachers.
- Information for Educators
- Language Learning opportunities for Educators
- Language Teacher Bursary Program
Certificated Alberta teachers to take a summer post-secondary program in a language other than English or language pedagogy course at an institution outside of Canada. Teachers of Aboriginal languages, whose language of study is only available in Canada, are eligible to apply. - Professional Development
- So You're Planning to Start a CREE Language Program?
- Information for Students
- Language Learning Opportunities for Students
Find information about language courses, exchanges, and available funding (including Aboriginal languages). - Languages in Teacher Education Scholarship
Alberta students enrolled in a recognized teacher preparation program taking courses that will allow them to teach languages other than English in Alberta schools.
- Language Learning Opportunities for Students
- Information for Parents
- Nehiyawetan (Learn Cree)
This brochure provides information about Alberta's Cree language programs, the benefits of learning Cree and scholarships and bursaries available for students and language teachers.
- Nehiyawetan (Learn Cree)
Locally Developed Courses
Where there isn't a provincial program of study, a First Nations school or a public school jurisdiction may develop a program, such as an Aboriginal language program, locally in keeping with Policy 1.2.1 Locally Developed/Acquired and Authorized Junior and Senior High School Complementary Courses.
