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Micro-Diploma in Introduction to the Anishinaabemowin Language

Gain the skills and cultural understanding necessary to support Indigenous language learning, documentation, revitalization and policy planning. The Micro-Diploma in Introduction to the Anishinaabemowin Language combines Indigenous perspectives with linguistic methodologies to address the urgent need for Anishinaabemowin language preservation and revitalization.

The Micro-Diploma is designed for individuals passionate about language, culture, education and community healing.

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    Faculty

    • Faculty of Arts

  • icon award

    Credential

    • Micro-Diploma in Introduction to the Anishinaabemowin Language

  • icon graduate

    Expected duration

    • 1 year

  • icon pathway

    Program options

    • Standalone
    • Embedded in an undergraduate degree

Study with us

Participants will explore language learning from both academic and Indigenous perspectives, grounded in cultural protocols, storytelling and a trauma-informed framework that supports learners on their unique paths of reconnection.

What You Will Learn

  • Indigenous-led approaches to language revitalization
  • Techniques for documentation and preservation of Anishinaabemowin 
  • Historical and contemporary policy affecting Indigenous languages in Canada
  • Linguistic foundations of Anishinaabemowin 
  • Proficiency in Anishinaabemowin
  • Community-based and land-based learning strategies

Who Should Enroll?

This program is ideal for:

  • Indigenous learners reconnecting with their ancestral languages
  • Educators, community leaders and language advocates
  • Researchers and policy planners in language and cultural revitalization
  • Anyone committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation through education
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A group of five people holding Indigenous drums, huddled together looking at a card with instructions.

Program details

The Micro-Diploma in Introduction to the Anishinaabemowin Language consists of four undergraduate level courses for a total of 12 credit hours.

  • Expected duration: 1 year

    Students who successfully complete the following courses will qualify for this credential:

    • INDG 1270: Introductory Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) 1 OR INDG 1272: Introductory Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) 1 - Pass/Fail option
    • INDG 1280: Introductory Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)  2 OR INDG 1282: Introductory Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) 2 - Pass/Fail option
    • 3 credit hours selected from the Linguistics courses below
    • One of INDG 3300: Indigenous Language Planning and Development OR 3 credit hours of an Indigenous language OR 3 credit hours selected from the Linguistic courses below

    Linguistics courses for use in the Micro-Diploma:

    • LING 1000: Introduction to Linguistics 1: Foundations of Language
    • LING 1010: Introduction to Linguistics 2: Language in Context
    • LING 2340: Language Endangerment
    • LING 2350: Indigenous Languages in Context
    • LING 2360: Languages of Canada

    All course requirements for the credential must be completed at the University of Manitoba. External transfer credit will not be considered.

    Visit the UM Academic Calendar for program details.

  • Visit the departments and programs

    Learn more about what's happening in the departments that are a part of the Micro-Diploma in Introduction to the Anishinaabemowin Language like: news and events, all available programs of study and student resources and opportunities.

A Trauma-Informed Approach: Pass/Fail Grading Option

Learning an ancestral language is a deeply personal and often emotional journey, especially for Indigenous students whose families were impacted by colonial policies and residential schools. For this reason, students enrolled in Cree language courses have the option to choose Pass/Fail grading.

Why Pass/Fail?

  • Encourages a supportive, non-judgmental learning environment
  • Reduces fear, shame, and academic pressure
  • Honors personal, cultural, and community-based language goals
  • Acknowledges historical trauma in Indigenous language education
  • Focuses on the journey of reclamation over rigid academic performance

Language revitalization is not just about fluency. It is also about healing, cultural resurgence, and identity. The Pass/Fail option ensures our classrooms are spaces of empowerment. 

Take the First Step

Join a growing movement to reclaim Indigenous languages and cultural knowledge. Whether you’re reconnecting with your language and culture or supporting community-led language revitalization, this micro-diploma provides a meaningful foundation for change.

Admission requirements

Entrance requirements are determined based on the level of education the applicant has completed. Applicants must meet one of the two entrance routes: Direct Entry or Advanced Entry.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Students are responsible for meeting all course prerequisites of courses required in the Micro Diploma programs and for following all application and registration deadlines. 

In addition, all applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements.

Students for the program will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

International students not residing in Canada should consult with Immigration regarding study permit criteria prior to applying.

Direct Entry

Direct entry applicants are those with fewer than 24 credit hours of post-secondary course work completed. Direct entry applicants must meet one of the following admission requirements:

1. High School Applicants

Must have graduated from high school with at least 5 full credits at the Grade 12 level in courses designated S, G, or U and must have achieved a minimum average of 70 per cent over the following, with no less than 60 per cent in each of:

  • English 40S
    Mathematics 40S
    Two academic 40S courses

2. Mature Applicant Category

  • Must be 21 years of age or older by September 30 for classes starting in September, January 31 for classes starting in January, May 1 for classes starting in May, and July 1 for classes starting in July; and
  • must not meet the regular academic requirements of the applicable program, must have limited experience at college or university (fewer than 24 credit hours); and
  • must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.

3. Current University of Manitoba Student

Any student currently enrolled in a degree program at the University of Manitoba seeking admission to a Diploma or Micro Diploma must be in good academic standing within their current program of study.

Students in good academic standing in a University of Manitoba Degree program are admissible to any of the Faculty of Arts Diploma and Micro Diploma programs.

Advanced Entry

Advanced entry applicants are students with 24 or more credit hours of post-secondary course work completed. Advanced entry applicants must meet one of the following admission requirements:

1. Post-Secondary Studies

Must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework at a recognized college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 (C) or better.

2. Recommendation of the Dean

  • Students who have completed the minimum 24 credit hours of coursework, and do not meet the minimum 2.0 CGPA, may be considered on an individual basis for admission on the Recommendation of the Dean. 
  • A minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on the best 24 credit hours of coursework that would be acceptable for credit (transferable) in the Bachelor of Arts General degree Program is required to receive consideration for admission on the Dean’s recommendation.

3. Current University of Manitoba Student

Any student currently enrolled in a degree program at the University of Manitoba seeking admission to a Diploma or Micro Diploma must be in good academic standing within their current program of study.

Students in good academic standing in a University of Manitoba Degree program are admissible to any of the Faculty of Arts Diploma and Micro Diploma programs.

How to apply

Domestic student application fee: $100
International student application fee: $130

Applications for micro credentials at the University of Manitoba are completed online. To begin your application, select the "Start or continue your application" button.

The online application includes several parts, and you may be required to submit proof of age, proof of English Language proficiency and other documents.

Canadian, US and international applicants
TermAnnual application deadlines
Fall (September)June 1

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

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Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Mailing address
Undergraduate Admissions
424 UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba
65 Chancellors Circle
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

Office location
Room 424 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)

Submit a question
Phone: 204-474-8808
Toll-free: 1-800-224-7713 ext 8808

Program inquiries

Faculty of Arts Student Services Office
Room 134 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

arts.inquiry@umanitoba.ca 
Phone: 204-474-9100
Toll free: 1-800-432-1960 ext. 9100

 

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