University of Manitoba Cree language class going ahead – with just one student

A Cree language class at the University of Manitoba is still being taught even though only one student signed up.

Ken Paupanekis is the instructor of U of M’s intermediate Cree course. The class is split into two parts offered in the fall and winter terms.

Paupanekis says he received a call from the university asking if he was still willing to teach the course with only one student registered.

“And I happen to know the student,” said Paupanekis. “I knew he was a fluent speaker. He had taken the other courses and I said I would be willing to do it.”

Paupanekis was told if he went ahead with teaching one student, he would only receive a fraction of his payment. But he says there was something else on his mind.

“No it doesn’t matter,” said Paupanekis. “This student is very interested in taking these courses and I hate to disappoint him. And being a speaker, he could be your instructor in the future. And that’s what I was thinking of when I said I would do it.”

University of Manitoba Cree course text and workbook. (Temi Olatunde/CityNews)

The instructor says knowledge of Indigenous languages is dwindling over time, but he still comes across students and others who take an interest in learning them. He says it’s important that there are people who know the language in depth.

“When I teach this course in the spring, which doesn’t happen that often, often I’ll get foreign students from other countries or normally PHD or Masters students in linguistics. You can tell by the kinds of questions they ask, you need to be able to answer those questions.”