A Rare Cultural Resource

As Stonecircle finalizes its recommendations for a North Shore Ojibway Language strategy, one of the biggest gaps remains the lack of learning and teaching materials to promote literacy, in either indigenous or mainstream languages, for Aboriginal people.


Since 1996 NIngwakwe Learning Press, an Aboriginal publishing house based in Ontario, has worked to fill that gap. Their catalogue includes culturally relevant reading workbooks for different literacy levels, Aboriginal literacy and educator resources, histories, and how-to books that are both Aboriginal and Ontario-specific. In 2005, Ningwakwe published Jennifer David's first book, Story Keepers - Conversations with Aboriginal Writers; and today Jennifer is returning the favour.

Working with Pauline MacLeod Farley of MacLeod Farley Associates, Jennifer will be developing recommendations for a marketing and communication strategy to raise the profile of Ningwakwe as a unique and valuable resource for teachers, students, and anyone interested in Aboriginal culture or history. In the meantime, check them out at http://www.ningwakwe.on.ca/.