Six Nations Polytechnic now offers indigenous language degree

Students will now beable to receive a Bachelor of Artsdegree, not just a diploma, inOgwehowehlanguages from the Six Nations Polytechnic Aboriginal Institutein Ohsweken, the province announced today.

It's the first time the province has allowed an Aboriginal Institute, which are run and governed completely by indigenousleaders,to offer a degree program.

The news lines up with a recommendation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that post-secondary institutions create degree programs in indigenous languages.

Reza Moridi, the province's Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, says the change allows severalthings to happen:

• Helps promote and protect Ogwehoweh(Cayuga and Mohawk) languages.
• Makes it possible for students to complete their degree at one institution, closer to home.
• Helps students build on language and cultural knowledge and skills.
• Expands student opportunities for jobs.

"Language preservation and protection are at the core values of Six Nations Polytechnic," said Rebecca Jamieson, the school's president, in a press release.

The current diploma program has been offered in partnership with McMaster University.

In the below photo, Six Nations Polytechnicpresident Rebecca Jamiesonis holding a small replica of a drum. Ministers Reza Moridi and David Zimmer are holding a replica of the Covenant Chain wampum belt given by the school to "commemorate the friendships created," according to ChelseyJohnson, communications director for the school.

Rick Hill, in the middle,is a seniorcoordinator at theDeyohaha:ge Indigenous Knowledge Centre, and he was holding a replica of theTwo Row wampum belt.