Bachelor of Arts in Ogwehoweh Languages

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.