National Indigenous Languages Day
(Submitted by Faye Beauchamp, Indigenous Liaison)
(Submitted by Faye Beauchamp, Indigenous Liaison)
Every year in Canada, National Indigenous Languages Day is celebrated on March 31. This day recognizes the beauty, diversity, and importance of the many Indigenous languages spoken across the country and highlights ongoing efforts to protect and revitalize them (Government of Canada, 2023).
For Indigenous Peoples, language is much more than communication. Language carries culture, history, identity, and ways of understanding the world. Stories, ceremonies, traditional knowledge, and connections to the land are all expressed through language (UNESCO, 2019).
However, many Indigenous languages in Canada were harmed by the Canadian Indian Residential School System. For many decades, Indigenous children were punished for speaking their languages at school. This caused many languages to decline or stop being passed down between generations (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015).
In 2019, the Canadian government passed the Indigenous Languages Act, which recognizes that Indigenous languages are a fundamental part of Indigenous identity and culture and supports efforts to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen, and maintain them (Parliament of Canada, 2019).
For newcomers in Canada, understanding Indigenous languages is an important step toward learning about the country’s history and reconciliation. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous languages acknowledges the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.
Original Voices
Produced by CBC Indigenous, Original Voices was launched as a celebration of the International Year of Indigenous Languages, a United Nations observance to raise awareness of the consequences of the endangerment of Indigenous languages across the world in 2019.
There are over 80 Indigenous languages across the country and while Original Voices currently features over 30 of them, this list will grow.
These days, many communities across Canada are working hard to bring their languages back to life through language revitalization. Elders, teachers, and community members are leading language classes and cultural learning opportunities for both children and adults.
There are many free online languages classes on social media platforms. Look them up – you won’t be sorry!
Coffee and Cree
A weekly language show promoting the revitalization of the Cree language. Rellik is joined by a weekly guest to learn nêhiyawêwin (the Cree language) in an engaging and interactive way.
Stoney Language Dictionary
The Stoney Nakoda First Nation has partnered with The Language Conservancy to create digital tools for teaching and preserving the Stoney Nakoda language.
Michif Word of the Day
Word of the Day creates opportunities for everyone to learn Michif and support revitalization of this key Indigenous language.
Piikani Paitapiiyssin
Use this app as a learning tool and positive step forward in a journey towards reclaiming the proud identity of Blackfoot people.
Although there are many different dialects, here are a few greetings to practice for fun!
Taanishi – Hello / How are you? (Northern Michif)
Tansi -Hello /How are you? (Plains Cree)
Ainngai or Atelihai -Hello (Inuit)
Oki - Hello (Blackfoot)
Âba wathtech - Hello (Stoney Nakoda)
M’wistas – See you later (Northern Michif)
Moista – See you later (Plains Cree)
Tavvauvutit – Goodbye (Inuit)
Kiakitamatsin - See you later (Blackfoot)
References:
Government of Canada. (2023). Indigenous languages in Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/indigenous-languages.html
Parliament of Canada. (2019). Indigenous Languages Act.
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-7.85/
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
https://nctr.ca/publications-and-reports/reports/
UNESCO. (2019). Indigenous languages and language preservation.