The Language Technology Program provides funding plus equipment and training to support language revitalization using technology.
There are 2 components within the Language Technology Program: FirstVoices and Digitization
- FirstVoices projects involve using FirstVoices.com to document and share your language. These projects make languages more accessible and preserve knowledge for future generations.
- Digitization projects involve converting materials such as audio cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes, VHS tapes and text documents to a digital format.
This program is for First Nations communities, governments, bands and tribal councils and Indigenous organizations located in B.C.
Language Program Funding 2025-26
Please note that the application process for Language Technology Program funding has changed. In 2023, we asked eligible communities and organizations to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) sharing their language program funding needs. We are now inviting those who submitted an EOI to apply. The application process has been streamlined to a single form for all language programs except for Mentor-Apprentice Programs and Youth Empowered Speakers. The Language Program is also now offering multi-year funding of up to three years.
If you are not sure if your community submitted an EOI or you have questions about accessing language program funding, please contact us at languagegrant@fpcc.ca and a member of the Language staff will follow up with you.
This document is optimized for accessibility purposes.
Recorded Info Session
This online information session was recorded in November 2024 and provides information about the program, timelines, eligibility and tips on strengthening your application.
This program is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage as a result of the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Languages Act.
FirstVoices
FirstVoices.com is an online tool that communities use to document and share their language with future generations. Teams upload alphabets, songs, stories, words and phrases as well as multimedia to language sites through FirstVoices.com, making the language more accessible to learners who can use the resources to learn and interact with their language.
FPCC provides training and funding can be used to purchase equipment. Projects with smaller budgets are also encouraged to apply. For more information regarding eligible FirstVoices projects, please view the program guidelines.
Digitization
Digitization is the process of converting materials such as audio cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes, VHS tapes and text documents to a digital format. Communities gather and inventory the materials they would like to digitize, use specialized technology to convert them to a digital format, and archive and create access to the digital materials (such as through FirstVoices). FPCC provides funding, equipment and training.
Tools and Resources
Language Status Assessment (LSA)
The Language Status Assessment (LSA) is a survey on the status of First Nations
languages. The Language Status Assessment is not a grant application but it is
required for communities who are applying for language funding from First
Peoples’ Cultural Council.
For more details and information on how to submit an LSA survey, click here.
Funding Process
We are here to ensure that the funding application process is as easy as possible and offer a convenient online portal so applicants can more easily apply for programs and submit reports. For additional information please visit the Funding Process page.
Program Contact
James Thompson
James moved to British Columbia from the US to pursue a graduate degree in linguistics. While at UBC, he worked with and learned from elders from several First Nations, and in the years since has focused on documentation, teaching and curriculum development. James is grateful for endless stream of opportunities to learn and grow with language champions from across the province, and he looks forward to continuing this journey at FPCC.