The Bachelor of Arts in Ogwehoweh Languages (BAOL) is a three-year degree program at Six Nations Polytechnic dedicated to the revitalization, protection, and advancement of Haudenosaunee languages.
This program is designed for students who want to become fluent speakers, teachers, researchers, and leaders working to strengthen Indigenous languages in their communities and beyond. BAOL combines language immersion, cultural knowledge, community-based learning, and university-level academic study in a supportive, Indigenous-centred learning environment.
After successful completion of the first year foundational courses, students will select either the Honours Bachelor of Arts in Ogwehoweh Languages degree program or continue with the Bachelor of Arts in Ogwehoweh Languages.
What You’ll Learn
In BAOL, language learning is at the centre of everything you do. You will develop strong skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and translation, while learning the cultural, historical, and land-based knowledge that gives Ogwehoweh languages their meaning.
Program areas include:
Ogwehoweh Language Proficiency
- Progressive language instruction in Cayuga or Mohawk, from foundational to advanced levels.
Language Teaching & Revitalization
- Methods for learning and teaching Indigenous languages in schools, communities, immersion programs, and adult learning environments.
Translation & Interpretation
- Skills for written and oral translation, transcription, and language documentation.
Culture, History & Worldviews
- Haudenosaunee history, governance, values, and ways of knowing embedded in language.
Research & Community Engagement
- Ethical, community-based approaches to Indigenous language research and revitalization.
Why Choose BAOL?
✔ Learn in a language-first environment
✔ Study close to home in a culturally safe space
✔ Be part of real language revitalization work
✔ Receive personalized academic and cultural support
✔ Graduate with a degree that serves community, culture, and future generations
Who Is This Program For?
BAOL is ideal for students who:
Want to learn or strengthen Cayuga or Mohawk
- Are passionate about language revitalization
- Want to teach, research, or work in community language programs
- Seek a degree grounded in culture, identity, and purpose
- Prefer a supportive, Indigenous-centred learning environment
No prior fluency is required for entry into the program.
Program of Study
Note: OLC refers to Cayuga language courses; OLM refers to Mohawk language courses. OLG refers to courses taught to both language streams. All courses at Six Nations Polytechnic are 3-unit courses. 120 units of study required.
Level 1 Requirements
24 units of Level 1 Core Requirements:
- OLC/OLM 1GA3 – Grammar 1A
- OLC/OLM 1GB3 – Grammar 1B
- OLC/OLM 1LA3 – Language 1A
- OLC/OLM 1LB3 – Language 1B
- OLC/OLM 1LL3 – Lifelong Learning 1
- OLC/OLM 1OT3 – Exploring Ogwehoweh Texts
- OLG 1CC3 – Community 1
- OLG 1CM3 – Communication 1: Argumentation, Oration, and Diplomacy
6 units of Level 1 Non-Core Requirements:
- OLC/OLM 1CT3 – Culture & Tradition 1
- OLC/OLM 1LP3 – Beginner Language Practice
- OLG 1HH3 – Hodinohsó:ni History 1: Cosmology
33 units of Above Level 1 Core Requirements:
- OLC/OLM 2GA3 – Grammar 2A
- OLC/OLM 2GB3 – Grammar 2B
- OLC/OLM 2LA3 – Language 2A
- OLC/OLM 2LB3 – Language 2B
- OLC/OLM 2LL3 – Lifelong Learning 2
- OLG 2CC3 – Community 2
- OLG 2CM3 – Communication 2: The Scholar’s Voice
- OLC/OLM 3GA3 – Grammar 3A
- OLC/OLM 3GB3 – Grammar 3B
- OLC/OLM 3LA3 – Language 3A
- OLC/OLM 3LB3 – Language 3B
Choice of 27 units of Above Level I Non-Core Requirements:
- OLC/OLM 2CT3 – Culture & Tradition 2
- OLC/OLM 2HL3 – Historical Hodinohsó:ni Languages
- OLC/OLM 2IR3 – Immersion Language 1
- OLC/OLM 2LP3 – Language Practice 1
- OLC/OLM 2SM3 – Introduction to Hodinohsó:ni Stories
- OLC/OLM 2TR3 – Beginner Translation
- OLG 2EA3 – Hodinohsó:ni Astronomy
- OLG 2HH3 – Hodinohsó:ni History 2: Contact to 1800
- OLC/OLM 3CT3 – Culture & Tradition 3
- OLC/OLM 3GV3 – Governance
- OLC/OLM 3IL3 – Immersion Language 2
- OLC/OLM 3LP3 – Language Practice 2
- OLC/OLM 3SF3 – Creative Writing
- OLG 3EB3 – Hodinohsó:ni Botany
- OLG 3FN3 – Hodinohsó:ni Food & Nutrition
- OLG 3HH3 – Hodinohsó:ni History 3: 1800 to Today
- OLG 3LT3 – Ogwehoweh Language & Literatures
- OLG 3MC3 – Hodinohsó:ni Material Culture
- OLG 3RM3 – Indigenous Research Methods*
- OLG 3ST3 – Special Topics
- OLG 3TR3 – Advanced Translation
- OLC/OLM 4LP3 – Language Practice 3
*Recommended; required for Honours program.
Students should note that not all courses will be offered every year; therefore, SNP encourages students to make core courses a priority during course registration.
- Admission is on the basis of an OSSD transcript
- A 65% admission average is required on the best six Grade 12 university or mixed (i.e., 12U or 12M) courses
Students who do not meet the admission requirements may be considered for admission as a Mature Student with limited course enrollment. Contact the Admissions Officer for more details.
Coming from outside of Canada? Please review our International Students page.
- $7584.00*, not including the $30.00 non-refundable application fee
*based on 30 units of full-time studies; reflects 2025-2026 fee structure.
Graduates of the BAOL may be eligible for entry into year 4 of the Honours program. Consult with the Admissions Officer to determine your eligibility for the Honours pathway.
Contact Admissions for more information regarding the categories of Listener, Audit, or Letter of Permission if you are interested in continuing studies outside of a university program.
Graduates are well prepared for:
- Graduate studies in Indigenous studies, linguistics, education, or related fields
- Teacher education programs
- Professional roles in language revitalization, education, and research
Where Can This Degree Take You in the Future?
Graduates of BAOL go on to careers such as:
- Indigenous Language Teacher or Instructor
- Language Revitalization Coordinator
- Curriculum & Resource Developer
- Translator or Interpreter
- Community Educator or Cultural Advisor
- Indigenous Researcher or Language Archivist
- Program Manager in language, culture, or education
- Graduate studies and professional programs
Details
Contact
Address:
Six Nations Polytechnic
2160 Fourth Line
PO Box 700
Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
Six Nations of the Grand River
General Contact:
519-445-0023
reception@snpolytechnic.com
Program Contact
Admissions Officer
admissions@snpolytechnic.com
519-445-0023 ext. 6226