WAASABIIK OJIBWEMOTAADIWIN IMMERSION PROGRAM
Meet Our Classroom Elders & Teachers
Our teaching community includes Ojibwe elders and a diverse group of educators that have come together to help our children learn, grow and succeed. Thanks to them, our program provides a nurturing educational environment for every child.
With strong, passionate leadership and a professional, knowledgeable team of the Ojibwe language and culture, the program is a strong contributor to improving the community and supporting children and families.
Our Beloved Ojibwe Storytellers
Frances Miller and Elizabeth Kingbird
Classroom Elders
Frances and Elizabeth are community members and fluent Ojibwemowin speakers of the Red Lake Band. These elders have a wealth of experience and knowledge; they are well respected in our community and exceptionally dedicated to Ojibwemowin Revitalization initiatives. They are currently working as the Master Speakers in the classroom and are responsible for ensuring proper speech and use of language. They are also working with the Ojibwemowin Advisory Committee and the rest of the Waasabiik Ojibwemotaadiwin Classroom Team on developing curriculum and lesson plans for the classroom.
Elizabeth Kingbird
Frances Miller
Our Teaching Staff
Nathaniel Taylor, Program Director
Nathaniel Taylor is a Red Lake Band member from the Ponemah and Red Lake communities. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in American Indian Studies from Haskell Indian Nations University and his Master’s Degree in Tribal Administration and Governance from University of Minnesota Duluth. He co-founder and current Director of the Waasabiik Ojibwemotaadiwin Immersion Program in Red Lake. He played an instrumental role in developing the Red Lake Elder Advisory Committee and it is his dream to see the next seven generations of leaders fluent in the Ojibwe language practicing ancient traditions and ceremonies.
Marcus Tyler, Lead Teacher
Marcus was raised in Red Lake and is an active community member who strongly loves the language and culture. He has been working on the language for over 14 years and is nearly a fluent speaker. He was the Ojibwe Language instructor for Red Lake College from 2011-2013 and currently shares his language expertise with Red Lake programs and Departments. He is currently attending Red Lake Nation College working towards his Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. He has his CPR training and certificate, along with teacher training hours. Marcus currently conducts language tables in the Red Lake communities in the evenings.
Trudy Jourdain, Assistant Teacher
Trudy Jourdain was raised in Red Lake and is an active community member with 12-plus years in the Early Childhood Education field. She has her CDA credentials and CPR training and certificates, along with teacher training hours. She is currently attending Red Lake Nation College working towards her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. She is very committed to Ojibwemowin Revitalization initiatives and is quickly learning to become a proficient speaker.
Sylvia Fred
Sylvia is a member of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and from the Yokayo and Guidiville Pomo Indians of California. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in American Indian Studies from Haskell Indian Nations University and her Master’s Degree in Tribal Administration and Governance from University of Minnesota Duluth. She works for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Grant Writing Department and provides support to the Waasabiik Ojibwemotaadiwin Immersion Program in Red Lake.
Benecio Tyler
Benicio (Ben-E-She-O) Tyler was raised in Red Lake his whole life. Growing up, Benicio attended school in Red Lake where he graduated from the Red Lake High School. He is currently taking courses in Liberal Arts at the Red Lake Nation College. Benicio has been a member of the Waasabiik Ojibwmeotaadiwin Immersion team for 2 years. He began his work with the Immersion Program as an Americorps worker. He is committed to learning Ojibwemowin and continues to take initiative and learn with fluent speakers.
Naomi Long
Naomi Long is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Naomi holds an A.A.S in Child Development, Care, and Guidance from the Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN. In addition, she holds 19+ certifications in relation to Child Development and advocating for families striving to live a positive traditional Ojibwe lifestyle. She is an active participant in traditional ceremonies both in Red Lake and in neighboring Ojibwe communities.
