Learn to say hello
Learn to say hello and thank you in an Indigenous language. And if this feels like just a first step, consider a language class, app, or YouTube video to continue your learning.
Read MorePaths to Explore
- Body
- Head
- Heart
- Spirit
- Around the World
- Art & Music
- Business
- Cultural Understandings
- Current Events
- Facts & Figures
- Food
- Health & Wellness
- Kids/Family
- Language
- Learn/Education
- Listen
- Participate
- Politics & Leaders
- Protocols
- Read
- Reconciliation 101
- Residential Schools
- Safe Spaces
- Shopping
- Social Media
- Support
- This Land
- True History
- Volunteer
- Watch
- Youth Perspective
Get comfortable with difficult language
The words we use when talking about reconciliation is important, get comfortable and normalize using the language that represents the true history of Canada like colonization, settlers, and genocide.
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Donate to support Indigenous language preservation
Consider donating to support Indigenous language preservation in Canada as a way to contribute to these languages and preservation of Indigenous culture. Consider the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, Indigenous languages revitalization programs at universities, cultural centres, Indigenous organizations, grassroots initiatives cultural heritage museums and more.
Read MoreCanada’s Indigenous Languages Act
Familiarize yourself with Canada’s Indigenous Languages Act, which recognizes the importance of Indigenous languages and commits to supporting their revitalization, preservation, and promotion. Share your learnings with a friend or family member.
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Share language revitalization on social media
Change up your Facebook feed or TikTok for you page by liking and following accounts that share language revitalization. You show that these accounts are important and you can learn something – win-win.
Read MoreA trip to Mi’kmaq immersion school
Take a trip with CBC News to visit the only Mi’kmaq immersion school in the world. The school in Eskasoni, N.S., is taking steps to preserve its Indigenous language among the next generation.
Read MoreWhy we need thriving indigenous languages
Khelsilem shares the reasons we need thriving indigenous languages and how we can make it happen in his 2017 TEDx Talk. He works to promote and connect his Indigenous language in everyday life.
Read MoreVoices on the Rise
Voices on the Rise: Indigenous Language Revitalization in Alberta is a multipart series that follows the language journey of Eli Hirtle. The first stop is the community of his ancestors.
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First Peoples’ Cultural Council: We Stand Together
Learn about the good news stories of the work of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council as they support with First Nations communities in BC to build the vitality of their languages, arts, cultures and heritage – for today and for the future.
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Projects by CILLDI
CILLDI is the Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute. We are dedicated to the revitalization of Canada’s Indigenous languages through documentation, teaching, and literacy. Read about their projects and successes here.
Read MoreITK’s plan for a unified Inuit language writing system
Inuit have been working to promote, protect, maintain and revitalize their language Inuit and are focused on promoting and supporting the continued use of Inuktut in Inuit Nunangat. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami has a project to explore the feasibility of a unified Inuit language writing system.
Read MoreThe numbers behind the impact of assimilation tactics
See the facts and figures of the impact of assimilation tactics on Indigenous language and culture shared by Indigenous Watchdog.
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Watch: Protecting languages, Preserving cultures
The world’s indigenous languages are under threat of disappearing, with one language dying every two weeks and many more at risk. To address the question on how to maintain indigenous languages, the UN organized an expert group meeting on indigenous languages in 2016. Hear from those protecting languages, preserving cultures.
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protect and revitalize Indigenous languages
Many Indigenous languages are endangered globally and the rate of loss is estimated at one language every two weeks. Read Why is it important to protect and revitalize Indigenous languages in this article by Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
Read MoreLanguage Preservation
The Indigenous Foundation “Why is preserving Indigenous languages important?” Language is an inseparable component of Indigenous culture and language preservation is something that needs prioritization.
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Mapping Indigenous Languages in Canada
Read this interesting Canadian Geographic article that maps Indigenous languages in Canada and visually shows where 60 languages belonging to 12 language families are being used.
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Indigenous Languages in Canada
Read the Canadian Encyclopedia for information about Indigenous Languages in Canada. The article includes maps, stories, videos, images, and links to more learnings.
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Watch: Dr. Lanny Real Bird
Watch this short video of Dr. Lanny Real Bird on the Importance of Language taped at the Poundmaker Indigenous Performance Festival 2021
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nēhiyawētān kīkināhk / Speaking Cree in the Home
nēhiyawētān kīkināhk / Speaking Cree in the Home is a hands-on guide for parents and caregivers to develop best practices in revitalizing and teaching Cree to young children. Belinda Daniels and Andrea Custer provide an introductory text to help families immerse themselves, their children, and their homes in nēhiyawēwin—the Cree language.
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Listen: Pîkiskwêwin project
The pîkiskwêwin project supports training and mentorship for Indigenous storytellers of all ages. The producers are learning their languages by working with fluent speakers and developing technical skills to record and produce stories in Indigenous languages.
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Follow Cree Literacy News
For ten years, the Cree Literacy Network has been promoting the work of lifelong language warriors. They use their blog to honour and support the commitment they share to retain, reclaim, revitalize and restore the language that is a birthright for themselves and their communities.
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Listen: Cree and Coffee with the Crazy Crees
Podcast hosts Charlotte Ross and Andrea Custer are both strong advocates for language revitalization. Through Cree and Coffee with the Crazy Crees, they discuss many topics including the importance of language, Silent Speakers, and further education.
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Learn Cree with Janell Stick
Janell Stick teaches Cree. She shared her syllabic chart teaching video with the Cree Literacy Network, which shows the characters and sounds together. Find more of Janell’s teaching presentations via FaceBook on her page, nêhiyâwêwin for the Soul, or on YouTube as Cree for the Soul.
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Watch: Indigenous Language Classes on YouTube
The File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council has a series of Indigenous language learning videos on their YouTube page. Choose from Saulteaux, Cree, nêhiyawêwin, Dakhóta lá, Anishinaabemowin, Nakon’i’a, and Nakoda
Read MoreWatch: Videos created by Gabriel Dumont Local 11
Watch these videos created by Gabriel Dumont Local 11 to learn more about the culture and history of the Métis:
Lii Vyeu Moond Kiiwaywuk Sur La Tayr | Youth and Elders, Learning Together on the Land
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Learn Cree
The University of Regina is offering Cree: Language of the Plains through open source resources. Learn at your own pace through workbooks and downloadable videos
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Mrs. Crier’s Cree Class
If you are working to learn an Indigenous language, try Mrs. Crier’s Cree Class on Animals: http://ow.ly/HndG30qLiox
Read MoreExplore Language Learning Websites
Omniglot is an online encyclopedia of writing systems and languages. Learn about the history of Indigenous languages and use its translation tools.
Cree Literacy Network promotes literacy in Cree language and culture.
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Learn about Indigenous Languages
Language is more than what we use to communicate. Through language, we begin to understand each other, and the land that we live on.
Through the Original Voices website, CBC is highlighting a few of the many diverse Indigenous languages that exist across the country.
Read MoreUnderstand Proper Terminology in Business
The Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. website offers guidelines around the usage of terminology specific to Indigenous communities. Learning proper terminology is an important first step in engaging Indigenous partners in business.
Read MoreUnderstand the Differences Between Indigenous Languages
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre
Visit the SICC (Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre) for background and history of Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan. Also, see news about Federal Indigenous Languages Legislation.
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Take a Conversational Cree Class
University of Saskatchewan Cree Classes
The University of Saskatchewan offers conversational Cree classes on a part-time basis or in an immersion setting. Visit their site for more information.
Read MoreLearn Cree Words Online
Randy Morin on the StarPhoenix Website
Delvin Kanewiyakiho on CBC News
Online Cree Dictionary
#Cree Simon Says
Whether you’re learning a few words from language experts or looking up phrases through online dictionaries, you can start online to learn about Cree words and phrases and develop a deeper appreciation of Indigenous languages.
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Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Report
Everyone, at some point in their journey of Reconciliation, needs to read the 94 Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to “redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.” Or connect here to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Final Report to read other sections and excerpts.
We have included this action in every category and every path on this website as a reminder of how important it is for us to understand the history and path of Reconciliation in our country.
Read MoreLearn About Indigenous Languages
The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre’s website is a fantastic resource for Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan. It includes information on language history, writing systems, maps and links for further research.
Follow #CreeSimonSays and learn Cree words or join other online learning communities!
Read MoreUnderstand Proper Terminology
University of British Columbia
Terminology can be tricky to navigate. Learning the proper terminology means we can engage in constructive dialogue in a respectful way. These articles offer a great starting point.
Read MoreAsk People Questions About What Terminology They Prefer
Take care and time to use proper terminology by reading articles like 9 Terms to Avoid in Communications with Indigenous Peoples.
When you’re unsure about the proper terminology to use, simply ask. While there are many resources and guidelines available, terminology may also have to do alot with personal preference. Be willing to have those conversations about identity and terminology and learn as you go: Indian Country Today
Read MoreUnderstand What Two Spirit Identity Means Historically & Today
“Two Spirit has been present for countless generations that predate LGBTQ terminology.” Learn more from this daily digital news platform that covers the Indigenous world.
Read MoreBuy Books & Learning Resources from Indigenous Educational Institutions
Gabriel Dumont Institute Store
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre
Books, artwork, and resources are often available from Indigenous cultural and educational institutions. Support the artists in your community by shopping there!
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Listen to Art Napoleon’s Cree Songs
Mocikan by Art Napoleon on Spotify
Listen to this collection of children’s songs sung in Cree by Art Napoleon, including the “Animal Song” and “Bannock Boogie.”
Read MoreAttend a workshop or event at Wanuskewin
Plan an interesting, educational, and fun programming experience at Wanuskewin. You can walk through the beautiful Opimihaw Valley, handling artifacts, or learning a new life skill, they offer an experience that participants will remember for years to come!
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Access Cultural Resources in Indigenous Languages
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Center (SICC): Cultural Resources
The SICC Learning Outlet provides language and cultural education resources. In stock are English and bilingual materials, as well as Plains Cree, Swampy Cree, Woodland Cree, Dene, Nakawē, Dakota, and Lakota materials. Art prints, maps, cassette tapes, CDs and DVDs are also available.
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