MFNERC: ASL Community Get Together

Five families from St. Theresa Point, Garden Hill, and Wasagamack First Nations had a fun get-together in Winnipeg on October 30th, focusing on American Sign Language (ASL) communication.

Marking the first such gathering of the school year, students went swimming at the YMCA, played on a massive play structure, tried wall climbing, and enjoyed good food. Parents met and talked about the students’ visits to the Manitoba School for the Deaf (MSD).

Officially starting on November 4th, the new MFNERC Communication Program at MSD involves each student attending the Manitoba School for the Deaf for a full week. MFNERC ASL support workers will assist during this week by integrating with the students who are Deaf and learning communication.

Every month, MFNERC ASL support workers travel to schools in the Island Lake communities and provide one-to-one, small group, and classroom supports. These MFNERC staff also teach evening ASL classes for families, school and Jordan’s Principle staff, and community members. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing facilitator continues to develop the program and supports for both students and families.

Through such programming, students learn more about ASL communication and also grow in their identities as they meet new friends and feel valued.

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