Teacher of an Indigenous Language

Length: 1 Year, 3 consecutive semesters

Delivery: Hybrid - Virtual and In-Person (Tyendinaga, ON)

Next Intake: Spring 2027

Deadline to submit all supporting documents: January 4, 2027

Tuition: $4,250 per semester, $12,750 total

Overview

The Teacher of an Indigenous Language (TIL) program is currently a 1-year, 3 semester, multi-session program totalling 60 credits (full-time). This includes practicum experiences. This comprehensive and culturally grounded program equips Indigenous language speakers with the knowledge and skills to become effective language teachers. TIL combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, nurturing pedagogy, curriculum development and cultural education. The program braids together Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, being and relating with mainstream methodologies, and incorporates experiential and community-based learning to enhance the learning experience and community connections. Learners strengthen their ability to teach language, culture, and identity while striving toward Mino-Bimaadiziwin (the good life) and Ka'nikonhriyo (the good mind). Graduates become eligible for Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification.​

Program Goals

The Teacher of an Indigenous Language (TIL) Program at FNTI has been created to support learners as a proficient speaker of their Indigenous language and to prepare them for the important responsibility of teaching and revitalizing that language within their community and beyond. The program is culturally grounded, rooted in Indigenous Knowledge, and designed to help learners develop the skills, confidence, and professional understanding needed to become an effective Indigenous Language Teacher.

Throughout their learning, learners will explore language pedagogy, curriculum development, and culturally based educational practices in ways that honour community teachings, local knowledge systems, and their Nation’s language. Learners will engage in academic study, experiential learning, land-based activities, and community engagement, all of which help learners grow both personally and professionally.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the Ontario College of Teachers for initial teacher education, the program is designed to help learners:

• Develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for best practices in Indigenous language teaching and learning.

• Embody traditional knowledges and cultural competencies, strengthening their identity and role as a language carrier.

• Use culturally informed, community-based, and land-based approaches to teaching that support deeper language acquisition for students.

• Learn in a safe, supportive, inclusive, and transformative environment where learners are valued, respected, and encouraged to grow.

• Strengthen your Good Mind, recognizing that well-being and balance are at the heart of personal and professional success.

• Apply Two Row and Two-Eyed Seeing principles to think critically, evaluate thoughtfully, and navigate both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems with integrity.

• Meet OCT’s standards for teacher education, preparing learners to enter the teaching profession with confidence and cultural grounding.

These program goals align with FNTI’s mission, vision, and values by supporting the learner as a whole person—intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. As learners move through the program, they will be supported to grow as a learner, teacher, language carrier, and community member. Ultimately, their efforts contribute to the revitalization of Indigenous languages, the well-being of learners, and the educational sovereignty of Indigenous Nations.