Niigaane Immerson Program
The Niigaane Immersion Program was developed in 2003 at the Bugonaygeshig School to help revitalize, sustain and position our native Ojibwe language as a contemporary, necessary institution on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. The idea was not to focus on teaching Ojibwe, but rather to use the language as the medium of instruction in all subjects. The Niigaane Immersion classrooms were implemented as an extension of the community's intent to provide continued transmission of Ojibwe language and life ways and to introduce the idea that multilingualism and recognition of our indigenous knowledge will improve academic performance and language skills. The Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant through the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council helps support a portion of the Ojibwe language immersion teacher's salaries.
The Niigaane Immersion Program goals are: continue to develop and expand K-6 immersion site curriculum, provide fluent speakers in the classroom, develop appropriate testing and evaluation procedures, incorporate and participate in community-based training and engagement, and execute 5-year Strategic Plan.
Tribal Funding 51%, State funds 15%