Anishinaabemowin land-based language immersion learning implications on wholistic health

Abstract

ii Abstract Revitalizing Indigenous languages is crucial to the health and well-being of all people, plants, animals and Shkagamik-kwe (Mother Earth). The relationship between land and language is reciprocal and inseparable; when learning the language, we learn how to care for the land. In turn, the land then takes care of us. In applying an Indigenous research methodology based in a traditional Algonquin fishing practice that included quantitative and qualitative elements, this research found that there were measurable health benefits to learning Anishinaabemowin as part of an immersive, land-based university course taught by Elders and Knowledge Holders and grounded in Indigenous knowledge and experiential learning practices. 'Fishing' for a theoretical 'catch' was carefully created through surveys and the interviews, which allowed participants to articulate the changes they experienced throughout the course. In all cases, student participants in this study indicated an improvement in their emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental health over the eight days of the course under study.