Language revitalization is a cornerstone of Indigenous cultural vitality and community health. FPCC’s collection of language resources and practical toolkits supports this important work in B.C. and around the world
On International Mother Language Day, we celebrate the many language champions and learners who are working hard to revitalize Indigenous languages around the globe.
For decades, FPCC has been dedicated to the revitalization and documentation of B.C. First Nations languages. We do this by providing funding, training, technology development and program support. Over the years we have produced a library of practical language resources to support the B.C. First Nations communities we serve.
We value sharing what we have to support vital language revitalization work. These resources are available on our website for First Nations here in B.C. and for Indigenous people around the world.
Below is a list of a few of our language resources. For a full offering, please visit fpcc.ca/resource.
FPCC Language Toolkits
To support language project planning, we have developed a collection of practical toolkits, which can be found here: fpcc.ca/toolkits.
- The Revitalization Planning Toolkit supports communities and organizations to create their own language revitalization plan, including instructions, examples and templates.
- The Language Nest Toolkit provides practical resources to help with the day-to-day running of a language immersion program for children, including teaching approaches and tools, curriculum resources, activities and games.
- The Mentor Apprentice Toolkit provides resources and tools to support immersion language learning methods such as FPCC’s Mentor-Apprentice Program and Youth Empowered Speakers Program. It includes planning tips, immersion activities and mentorship journey videos.
Language for Life: Nourishing Indigenous Languages in the Home
The Language for Life resource provides useful strategies and tips for families who want to increase speaking their language in the home. This practical handbook includes games, activities, worksheets and steps towards building a family language plan.
Download the Language for Life handbook here.
Mentor-Apprentice Program Handbook
This step-by-step resource supports immersion language learning between a fluent Mentor and an apprentice learner. It includes tips on getting started, setting language learning goals, scheduling time together, how to engage in immersion learning, creating work plans, games and activities, and evaluating progress.
Download the Mentor-Apprentice Program Handbook here.
FirstVoices
Launched in 2003, FirstVoices.com is a suite of free open-source technology tools for communities who are learning, documenting and sharing their languages. Communities in B.C. and worldwide use FirstVoices to create secure, interactive online language sites. You can upload and share audio recordings, words, phrases, songs and stories.
FirstVoices apps make it possible to use language sites offline in remote areas. They include features such as word of the day, quick dictionary search, stories & songs, bookmarks and flashcards. There are also keyboards you can load to type and text in your language available for Android and iOS.
Data sovereignty and security is a priority. Each language site access and content is managed by community-based administrators. FPCC has a dedicated development team who maintain and develop new site features in collaboration with community administrators.
Language Gathering and Collection Guide
This digital tool is a self-guided resource for community members working to record and document their language. Community language collection can be a central process in language revitalization projects and planning.
In this guide you will find:
- language collection strategies
- testimonials from community members who use these methods
- ways to identify and use grammatical information on FirstVoices.com
- downloadable resources & helpful suggestions for community recording & language projects
This guide is useful for any community working on their collection of language materials and especially useful for those who are working on their FirstVoices.com language sites. Access the guide here: fpcc.ca/resource/language-gathering-guide/.
Additional Language Resources
Here is a list of additional resources to support language revitalization work:
- Language Fact Sheets
- Check Before You Tech
- Guide to Working with Elders
- Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages
- Say it with Respect: A Journalists’ Guide
- List of B.C. First Nations Languages
To discover more language resources, you can browse FPCC’s Resource Library here fpcc.ca/resource.
For global resources on language revitalization visit our friends at the Endangered Languages Project (ELP). FPCC is a founding partner of this U.S.-based nonprofit organization supporting the revitalization of Indigenous and endangered languages around the world. ELP’s services include educational resources and learning opportunities, mentoring and online gatherings, research, advocacy and more to provide support and foster connection to support languages globally.
If you have any questions or ideas for new resources or toolkits, we want to hear from you! Please send your feedback info@fpcc.ca.
Share Your Story!
Do you have a story about the work your community is doing to revitalize First Nations languages, cultural heritage and arts in B.C.? We want to hear from you! Please send your story to info@fpcc.ca and check back as we post more stories about the good work being done across the province.
We are here to provide support
To view all current funding opportunities visit fpcc.ca/grants. If you have questions or need any assistance find a resource, completing your funding application or using the grant portal, please contact the program staff listed at the bottom of each program page or check out our Staff page.
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