FPCC monitors the status of B.C. First Nations languages, arts, cultures and heritage, and provides support to First Nations communities to recover and sustain their culture. FPCC is committed to gathering and sharing current and accurate information on the state of First Nations languages in British Columbia and continues to provide funding and support for First Nations language and cultural preservation and enhancement.
In 2010, FPCC published the first Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages and has since published additional reports in 2014, 2018 and 2022. Information in these reports is provided by participating First Nations in B. C. through a Language Status Assessment (LSA). The goal of these reports is to share up-to-date information on the status of First Nations languages in B.C., in order to support effective planning, policy development and advocacy for language revitalization. FPCC is the only organization in Canada to produce a province-wide report on the status of First Nations languages. You may view each report, a fact sheet highlighting the key findings and information about LSAs in the links below.
2022 Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages
In this fourth report, we examine the current status of B.C.’s First Nations languages, providing an update on language revitalization progress as of 2022.
Increased investment in language revitalization is working and this report highlights many positive developments in the growth of community-based language revitalization projects across the province. Of note are the increases in the number of language nests for pre-school-aged children, adult learners and semi speakers which supports the generational transfer of First Nations languages in B.C.
This was challenging in a period in which First Nations in the province faced many difficult circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic and record wildfires and flooding. Despite this, communities have worked hard to continue language revitalization work, developing more learning opportunities than ever before with support from FPCC.
FPCC Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages 2022
FPCC Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages Fact Sheet 2022
2018 Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages
In this third report, we examine the current status of B.C.’s First Nations languages and give an update on language revitalization progress as of 2018.
While B.C. language revitalization efforts continue to face many challenges, there has also been positive progress with the development of federal language legislation, increased investment from the B.C. government, a growing interest in language revitalization and an increasing number of people; especially young people who are learning and speaking their languages.
FPCC Language Report Fact Sheet 2018
2014 Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages
The second report provides an update on the current status of B.C.’s First Nations languages, with information about numbers of speakers and available resources as of 2014.
This report indicates that the programs and efforts towards language revitalization are having a positive effect as we see that the number of semi-fluent speakers has increased since 2010. This report highlights some of the successful revitalization initiatives that are taking place in communities across the province.
FPCC Language Report Fact Sheet 2014
2010 Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages
This is the first of 3 completed providing concrete data on the province’s First Nations languages, including the numbers of speakers and resources for each language as well as the language revitalization work being done.
The report reveals that B.C. First Nations languages are in a state of crisis: Fluent speakers make up a small and shrinking minority of the B.C. First Nations population and most of them are over 65. Of the 32 First Nations languages, 8 are severely endangered and 22 are nearly extinct.
However, the report also discusses the inspiring commitment that First Nations communities have for revitalizing their languages. Individuals and communities all across the province continue to demonstrate their passion and expertise in ensuring that these languages are passed on to new speakers.
FPCC Status of B.C. First Nations Languages Report 2010
FPCC Languages Report Fact Sheet 2010
Language Status Assessment (LSA)
The Language Status Assessment (LSA), previously named the “Language Needs Assessment” is a survey on the status of First Nations languages. The data shared in the LSA is used in the FPCC Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages.
- For more details and information on how to submit an LSA survey, click here.
- View the list of communities we are currently seeking LSA submissions from here.
If you have any questions please contact LSA@fpcc.ca.