Indigenous Languages

Indigenous Languages: Overview

Indigenous languages were forcibly taken from children at Residential Schools. Children were punished for speaking their language. Now, over generations, few Indigenous people are fluent in their Indigenous language. Many Indigenous languages are considered endangered, but Indigenous language champions are helping the next generation learn this integral element of culture. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Article 13 states Indigenous people have the right to revitalize their languages. Part of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation calls to action also require support for Indigenous language revitalization.

Indigenous Languages: Web Resources

  1. Original Voices - CBC Indigenous

  2. Indigenous Languages Guide from UBC

  3. Circle of Indigenous Languages from University of Saskatchewan

  4. First Nations Languages of B.C.

  5. What You Need To Know About Indigenous Language Revitalization

  6. Statistics Canada Study: Aboriginal languages and selected vitality indicators, 2011

  7. First Voices - resources to support Indigenous language archiving and teaching

  8. First Peoples Language Map (B.C.)

  9. Indigenous Statistics

  10. ta'ulthun swqal Hul'q'umi'num' Language Academy

Indigenous Language Revitalization: DVDs and Streaming

  1. Language Matters with Bob Holman - 1h 50min - DVD

  2. Traditional Law Through Indigenous Language Resurgence with Lindsay Keegitah Borrows - 1h - SD68NanaimoLadysmith YouTube

Books