$146K investment to expand ASL training in First Nations communities

The Manitoba government is investing $146,000 to expand access to American Sign Language training for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Manitobans, with a focus on First Nations and rural communities. The funds are being provided through the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy. The funding also includes $18,000 for the development and delivery of three ASL micro-credentials providing ASL education directly on reserve, and $128,000 over three years to fund four seats specifically for Indigenous women in RRC Polytech’s existing ASL-English Interpretation program. "Members of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community should be able to access the services and supports they need to participate fully in their communities no matter where they live," said Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine. "This investment is a step toward helping to close that gap while empowering Indigenous women to build valuable, in-demand skills to provide much-needed services in their own communities." The ASL micro-credentials will teach participants basic ASL and Deaf culture, and will be equivalent to ASL 1, which is required to enter RRC Polytech’s ASL-English Interpretation program. The courses will be offered in First Nation and rural communities to help reduce barriers to participation, with each cohort able to accommodate up to 15 learners.  The training will also include Indigenous perspectives and be developed with Indigenous communities to reflect local needs and experiences. The approach responds to requests from Indigenous Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Manitobans for greater access to ASL education and interpretation services. "RRC Polytech welcomes this important partnership with the Manitoba government, which reflects our shared commitment to creating more inclusive communities and expanding educational opportunities for Indigenous learners," said Fred Meier, president and CEO of RRC Polytech. Graduates of the ASL-English Interpretation program will come out of the program with the ability to provide more culturally responsive ASL-English interpretation in Indigenous communities, including at community gatherings, ceremonies and other events.