Language and identity in an Indigenous teacher education program

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Education
• Sociolinguistics
• Cultural Psychology

Background:

• The Inuit Bachelor of Education (IBED) program integrates Inuktitut language training.
• Cultural identity is intrinsically linked to Indigenous heritage languages.
• Understanding the connection between language acquisition and identity is crucial for Indigenous communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between learning Inuktitut and cultural identity in preservice teachers.
• To investigate how Indigenous heritage language learning influences self-perception and group connection.
• To examine the impact of strengthened cultural identity on wellbeing and educational outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing narrative research methods with preservice teachers.
• Conducting semi-annual interviews over a three-year period.
• Analyzing personal stories and experiences of learning Inuktitut.

Main Results:

• Preliminary narratives indicate language learning enhances awareness of and connection to Indigenous group identity.
• The process of learning Inuktitut appears to foster a stronger sense of belonging.
• Participants' experiences suggest a positive correlation between language acquisition and cultural connection.

Conclusions:

• Learning an Indigenous heritage language like Inuktitut can significantly strengthen cultural identity.
• Enhanced cultural identity may lead to improved wellbeing for Indigenous preservice teachers.
• These findings have implications for teacher education and the promotion of Indigenous languages and cultures in schools.