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Professor Shirley Williams to Launch Ojibway Language Learning Game at Trent University
At
a special gathering on Friday, March 21, 2003, Trent Native Studies Professor
Shirley Williams will launch her new Ojibway language learning game, a
CD rom called Zhooshkwaadedamogad Rip Roaring Hockey.
In September of 1998, a group of Ojibway language scholars and computing specialists were invited to attend a brainstorming meeting held by Shirley Williams at the Department of Native Studies at Trent University. It was decided that a CD rom would be a good medium to deliver the language materials while at the same time providing intergenerational fun and entertainment to elders and youth.
It was
a unanimous decision that the language depends on youth to carry it forward,
taking
into account that the Elders are the ones who know the language and can
assist the youth
with their study of it. Youth who are in primary, secondary and post-secondary
have some things in common. They like to have fun and playing hockey is
something that almost every Native family is involved in and enjoys. Therefore,
the CD employs the game of hockey as a means of delivering the language
information. Using the medicine wheel, each of the thirteen identified
themes was related to one of the four categories: physical, mental, emotional
and spiritual.
Once
these themes were related to the medicine wheel, it became obvious that
much more could be done. This resulted in the development of many sub-themes
for each section of the wheel. Once all of this work was done, then the
development of the cd rom could begin in earnest. A CD rom is scripted,
just like a movie, each story board is related to the one
before and after, just like scenes in a play. First Nations Technical
Institute did this technical work and was able to ensure that the end
result was a fun, interactive teaching tool using hockey as the vehicle,
full of colours, sounds and laughter, just like the real thing.
"The Little NHL Hockey Tournament has existed as far back as I can remember," says Professor Williams. "It has brought families from all over during the March break. In Wikwemikong, the tradition goes that the only people left in the community are those in the Wikwemikong Nursing Home for that week, so they are left behind to mind the community while everyone else is cheering on their nephews, nieces, sons and cousins at the tournament!"
It is this unity of spirit and community which has inspired the creation of the Zhooshkwaadedamogad, Rip Roaring Hockey CD and book. "It is the spirit of competition which hockey promotes," adds Prof. Williams. "This CD will help in competing to hold our language against the odds, but, like playing a game of hockey, we go into it without a trace of worry, just confidence and ability."
The launch is free and open to the public, however the Native Studies Department asks that you RSVP if you wish to attend by calling Barb Rivett at (705) 748-1011 ext. 1466 or emailing nativestudies@trentu.ca.
Posted March 18, 2003
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