Ogoki Learning Systems Inc. – The Ojibway Language App

Winnipeg – Ontario

Wednesday, 16 May 2012, 01:14 PM

By Leanna Milburn and Darrick Baxter

A free application is now available for Ojibway language speakers to download on their mobile devices. And the programmer, originally from Marten Falls, made the source code available to all, so First Nations across Canada can use it to support their own language applications.

Darrick Baxter holding an iPad showing the Ojibway language App he created

Ogoki Learning Systems Inc. President, Darrick Baxter originally created the Ojibway App to help his twelve-year-old daughter to learn the language. She was struggling to learn with the available books and online resources, and Darrick felt she needed a more involved approach. He had just begun programming, and came up with the idea to build an Application for her new iPad. The goal was to help her better interact with the language.

Download the Ojibway App for free

The App incorporates basic words and phrases. It also includes a brief history of the Ojibway people. Since it does not require frequent updates, the App can work without an Internet connection. This was an important feature, since many First Nations communities do not have a fast Internet connection or adequate infrastructure. The App is so simple to use, that even Baxter’s two-year-old daughter can use it!

Darrick’s children try out the new App

Since Darrick released the App, various schools and educators, and the Ministry of Education in Ontario approached him. They are interested in using it in First Nations programs. The App also received a very positive response from the community, because of the way it makes the language and culture available to young people. Read a story about the App in Wawatay News.

The Ojibway App is just one example of how technology can be used to preserve First Nations heritage. Darrick pointed out the capacity exists in communities to continue developing tools. First Nations people can use these tools to preserve language and culture in new and innovative ways.

Young people are especially showing tremendous interest. In fact, Baxter constantly finds himself in conversations with young people. These youth are interested in finding out how difficult it is to program an App. It is so important their interest and initiative does not go unnoticed.

To help young people be more successful in the technology industry, Ogoki Learning Systems Inc. offers workshops. Topics include: “Youth Training in App Development” and “Youth Creativity Empowerment Using the Web Design Medium”.

Darrick explained there are many other resources available to help programmers. Online places like Google discussion groups can be very helpful for learning about challenges other programmers have faced. The library is another great resource for anyone who is considering studying programming. Baxter used both of these resources, and recommends that anyone interested in programming skills turn to them too.

Baxter feels that with access to the proper resources, young people can create more tools to preserve heritage and culture in new and innovative ways. Young people are eager to learn. They are also familiar with how technology works, which makes it much easier for them to construct a cohesive, user-friendly App. It is so important that young people are aware of the resources available to help them with this innovation. Even more importantly, it is critical that youth are aware of their potential to help create these important tools.

Going forward, Ogoki Learning Systems Inc. is looking for opportunities to develop the App further. Darrick wants to include new features, like an interactive speech component. As well, they received a number of inquiries about developing similar Apps for different First Nations and indigenous communities in Canada, the USA, and around the world.

Find out more

Download the Ojibway App for Free through iTunes
Download the Source Code from Ogoki Learning Systems Inc.
Learn more about Darrick’s home community Marten Falls