Say It First


Indigenous Language Revitalization

High School Culturally Relevant Curriculum

Our Connections

SayITFirst has produced culturally relevant videos for use in Native Language classes for grades 11 and 12 high school students. The premise is to provide the language knowledge and fluency that every Native Learner should have by the time they graduate. The material is produced locally to that school system, so the knowledge viewed is consistent with that area's belief system.

Each video starts with an introduction to a local First Nation, followed by the featured lesson in Ojibwe. Each has a corresponding English version for context only. Each video is not just a direct translation of the other.

The videos are used in language classes with an instructor adding lessons in vocabulary and providing context to the message.

Videos include authentic content about: the components of a prayer, why pray, female drum song, male drum song, the significance of a pow wow, an explanation of regalia, how to fish the Anishinaabe way, how to set a trap, and the importance of a feast.

Created by Mike Parkhill, SayITFirst
Produced by Corporate Films Canada
Directed and Edited by: Steve Jesse
Production Assistant: Chris Jesse

Video: Our Connections – Life of the Métis

Métis acculturation is addressed by Rainy River District School Board by having SayITFirst and Corporate Films Canada create this video to illuminate the life of days gone by, for use in their curriculum. We were fortunate to have Wanda Botsford co-ordinate with Old Fort William and the Métis Youth Ambassadors. I love the intro by Sarah Marusyk and the end song – the teardrop Waltz by Joanna Burt.

Seine River First Nation- Significance of a Pow Wow (Ojibwe)

Rainy River District School Board needed to create culturally relevant material in English and Ojibwe for high school students. The project needed to take not consideration the students skill levels and local talent. SayITFirst managed the project with various community members from Seine River First Nation in order to get Corporate Films Canada the content they needed to produce the video. Darcy Whitecrow provided the teaching after he received tobacco for his lesson. Tanisha provided the introduction.