all Language grants
Reclaiming My Language is a course to assist silent speakers to reclaim their language.
Silent speakers are people who have a good understanding of their language but do not speak it. There are many kinds of silent speakers, including people who spoke their language before attending residential school or people who grew up hearing their language and understand it, but do not speak it.
The course runs 10 weeks for up to three hours each week. It uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and offers supports for silent speakers, including tools and coaching to help them move forward in a good way to reclaim their language.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy explores the connection between how we think and how it affects our behavior or actions. It helps silent speakers to move away from unhelpful thoughts that may be blocking the language and assists them to begin speaking their language. This course is trauma-informed but does not ask participants to share or disclose their trauma.
FPCC provides training for program facilitators and ongoing support as well as course materials, videos, workbooks and funding.
- Funding can be used to support travel. FPCC can assist with the identification and vetting of a mental health co-instructor and potentially a community co-instructor if needed.
- Submissions must include 10 pre-course surveys from potential participants.
- Several communities can come together to deliver this course if all participants speak the same language.
Please contact us at rml@fpcc.ca if you need support in identifying potential co-instructors and/or participants.
B.C. First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations in B.C. are eligible to apply for this program.
Language Program Funding 2025-26
Please note that the application process for Reclaiming My Language 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.
The application deadline has been extended to January 6th, 2025.
Please review the program guidelines and portal information below on how to submit your application.
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.
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.
Reclaiming My Language is made possible with funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage.
About the course
- 2-3 hours each week over 10 weeks
- Up to 10 silent speaker participants, each paired with a fluent mentor
- A supportive environment to practice speaking the language
- Weekly homework assignments
- Optional internship opportunities to contribute to a community language program
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.
To read more about the Language Status Assessment, click here.
We are here to support!
If you have any questions or would like assistance with your grant application please contact the program staff listed at the bottom of this page. FPCC staff are available to answer questions about grant eligibility, project proposal ideas, which program or grant may be best for your project and more. You may also contact an Outreach Coach for information on project planning, resources and information sessions.
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.
Click the image to enlarge
Page Image: 2019 participants who completed the Upper Nicola Reclaiming My Language program.
Program Contact
Melinda Pick
Melinda Pick is Haida on her maternal side and Lithuanian, French and Mi’kmaq on her father’s side. Melinda is a dedicated learner of the Haida language and continues to use this passion to encourage others in reaching their language revitalization goals.