The course descriptions are also available in French.

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Native Languages

  • The Grade 9 and 10 curriculum was issued in 1999.
  • The Grade 11 and 12 curriculum was issued in 2000.
  • Since 2021–22, boards are able to offer Inuktitut as a language of instruction within Ontario’s Indigenous Languages curricula (Grades 1–12). Five new secondary course codes (LNIAO, LNIBO, LNICO, LNIDO, and LNIEO) have been added in OnSIS.
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Level Course Name Course Type Course Code Prerequisite
1 Native Languages, Level 1 (NL1) Open LNAAO – LNOAO None
2 Native Languages, Level 2 (NL2) Open LNABO – LNOBO At least four years of study of a Native language in elementary school, successful completion of NL1, or demonstrated proficiency
3 Native Languages, Level 3 (NL3) Open LNACO – LNOCO Successful completion of NL2, or demonstrated proficiency
4 Native Languages, Level 4 (NL4) Open LNADO – LNODO Native Languages, Level 3, or demonstrated proficiency
5 Native Languages, Level 5 (NL5) Open LNAEO – LNOEO Native Languages, Level 4, or demonstrated proficiency

A Note About Credits. Students may earn more than one credit for each level in Native languages by studying more than one Native language (e.g., Cree, Level 4, and Mohawk, Level 4).

Courses at Levels 4 and 5 are designed to be offered as full-credit courses. However, half-credit courses may be developed for specialized programs, as long as the original course is not designated as a requirement for entry into a university program. Individual universities will identify the courses that are prerequisites for admission to specific programs. Such courses must be offered as full-credit courses, to ensure that students meet admission requirements.

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This is a graphic representation of the information provided in the preceding course chart. This graphic maps out all the courses in the discipline and shows the links between courses and the possible prerequisites for them. It does not attempt to depict all possible movements from course to course. No new content is included in this graphic.
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Note: This curriculum is currently in revision; the discipline and all courses will be renamed "Indigenous Languages" in the revised curriculum policy.

  • Native Languages (NL1), Level 1, Open (LNAAO – LNOAO)
    This course is open to the entire student body and will allow students who have no prior Native language experience to develop an appreciation for a Native language and culture, to explore and experience a unique world view, and to learn to speak a Native language. Students will use the language being studied for greetings and daily routines, become familiar with its writing and sound system, and practise basic vocabulary and phrases. Students will also use information technology during course-related activities.
    • Prerequisite: None
  • Native Languages (NL2), Level 2, Open (LNABO – LNOBO)
    This course will enable students to experience the unique respect for life that permeates Native languages and cultures. Students will expand their vocabulary and knowledge of phrases and expressions, using them in simple dialogues, narrative writing, grammatical constructions, and reading, and to exchange information electronically. This course is open to any student who has successfully completed at least four years of elementary Native languages study, has successfully completed NL1, or demonstrates the required proficiency.
    • Prerequisite: At least four years of study of a Native language in elementary school, successful completion of NL1, or demonstrated proficiency
  • Native Languages (NL3), Level 3, Open (LNACO – LNOCO)
    This course will provide students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of a Native language and of Native philosophy, spirituality, and values, and to enhance their identity and self- worth. Students will communicate by using a variety of phrases and expressions, create short conversations, skits, stories, and narratives, use information technology, and develop an aware- ness of the structural and functional workings of a Native language. This course is open to students who have successfully completed NL2 or who can demonstrate the required proficiency.
    • Prerequisite: Successful completion of NL2, or demonstrated proficiency
  • Native Languages (NL4), Level 4, Open (LNADO – LNODO)
    This course will provide students with opportunities to further develop their knowledge of a Native language and of Native philosophy, spirituality, and values, and to enhance their sense of identity and self-worth. Students will increase their vocabulary and their facility in using idioms, and will use the Native language to analyse literature, discuss various issues that affect the local community, and exchange information electronically.
    • Prerequisite: Native Languages, Level 3, or demonstrated proficiency
  • Native Languages (NL5), Level 5, Open (LNAEO – LNOEO)
    This course provides students with opportunities to increase their knowledge of a Native language and culture. Students will increase their vocabulary; use complex language patterns and formal language; and use the Native language to analyse literature, discuss issues (e.g., economic development, personal development), and study Native customs, traditions, and world views. They will examine differences in dialects while communicating with others electronically.
    • Prerequisite: Native Languages, Level 4, or demonstrated proficiency