Manitoba Invests in ASL Training and Interpreter Education for Indigenous Women

The Manitoba government is investing $146,000 in new American Sign Language (ASL) training opportunities aimed at improving accessibility and inclusion in First Nations and rural communities across the province. Announced by Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, the funding will support a partnership with RRC Polytech to expand ASL education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Manitobans while creating new pathways for Indigenous women to enter the ASL interpretation profession. The investment is being provided through the province’s Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy. Of the total funding, $18,000 will be used to develop and deliver three ASL micro-credential courses directly in First Nations communities. The remaining $128,000 will fund four seats over three years for Indigenous women enrolled in RRC Polytech’s ASL-English Interpretation program. The community-based micro-credentials will introduce participants to ASL and Deaf culture and provide training equivalent to ASL 1, a prerequisite for entry into the interpretation program. Courses will be delivered on reserve to help reduce barriers to participation and will accommodate up to 15 learners per cohort. According to the province, the curriculum will be developed in partnership with Indigenous communities and incorporate Indigenous perspectives and approaches. The initiative responds to a longstanding request from Indigenous Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Manitobans for greater access to ASL education and interpretation services in their communities. RRC Polytech says the program will help strengthen representation within the ASL interpretation profession while building local capacity to support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals across Manitoba. Graduates of the interpretation program will be equipped to provide culturally responsive ASL-English interpretation at community gatherings, ceremonies and other events. More information about the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy is available on the Government of Manitoba website.