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Decade of Indigenous Languages

June 1, 2020

The United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022 – 2032.

In February 2020 First Nations representatives from B.C. joined more than 500 participants from 50 countries in Mexico City to discuss a roadmap for the Decade of Indigenous Languages.

After a two-day event organized by UNESCO and Mexico, the roadmap called the Los Pinos Declaration was adopted.

In 2022 the decade began, calling for the implementation of the internationally recognized rights of Indigenous peoples. It emphasizes Indigenous peoples’ rights to freedom of expression, to an education in their mother tongue and to participate in public life using their languages, as prerequisites for the survival of Indigenous languages.

The Declaration highlights the importance of Indigenous languages in justice systems, the media, labour and health programs. It also points to the potential of digital technologies in supporting the use and preservation of those languages.

Why we’re celebrating

The Decade of Indigenous Languages is a time for Indigenous and non-Indigenous
communities in B.C. celebrate the 34 Indigenous languages that live in this province.

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council works with First Nations communities in B.C. to build
the vitality of our cherished languages, and with this decade we have an opportunity to
capture the attention on the importance of language revitalization.

Our languages are the roots of our culture – connecting us to the land, traditional
knowledge and stories. All that we know and all of our relationships grow from the
words of our ancestors.

View website

Dr. Lorna Wánosts’a7 Williams, Chair of the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, attended the CCUNESCO National launch of the Decade of Indigenous Languages in Ottawa on April 22, 2022. She was interviewed by CBC radio to discuss her thoughts on the Decade and the importance of language revitalization.

Listen

10 Goals for the Decade of Indigenous Languages

When the UN General Assembly declared the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, they invited Indigenous peoples to initiate ideas. The following are 10 goals proposed by FPCC for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages:

  • Goal 1: Indigenous communities have full control of their own language data
  • Goal 2: Indigenous communities have access to international research and resources for language revitalization
  • Goal 3: Indigenous language access is supported by sustainable technologies
  • Goal 4: Indigenous language learners have access to mother-tongue based education
  • Goal 5: Nations and states are supporting and investing in Indigenous language revitalization
  • Goal 6: States that succeed in supporting Indigenous languages are celebrated and acknowledged
  • Goal 7: A convention is adopted for the promotion of Indigenous languages and linguistic rights
  • Goal 8: Effective assessment mechanisms are implemented to demonstrate outcomes of the Decade
  • Goal 9: Indigenous-led language work is supported through long-term adequate funding
  • Goal 10: Indigenous knowledge and expertise is recognized and honoured
Download full PDF

Frequently asked questions

What are the 34 First Nations languages in B.C?

British Columbia is home to 205 First Nations communities and an amazing diversity of Indigenous languages; approximately 50% of the First Peoples’ languages of Canada are spoken in B.C. 

B.C. is home to 7 Language Families:

Salishan Language Family
Éy7á7juuthem
Hul’q’umi’num’ / Halq’eméylem / hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ Nłeʔkepmxcín
Nsyilxcən
Nłeʔkepmxcín
Nuxalk
Sk̲wx̱wú7mesh sníchim
Secwepemctsín
SENĆOŦEN / Malchosen / Lekwungen / Semiahmoo / T’Sou-ke
She shashishalhem
St̓át̓imcets

Athabaskan-Eyak-Tlingit or Na-Dené Language Family
Dakelh
Dane-Zaa (ᑕᓀ ᖚ)
Danezāgé
Dene K’e
Witsuwit’en / Nedut’en
Southern Tutchone
Tāłtān
Tse’khene
Tsilhqot’in
Lingít

Algonquian Language Family
Anishnaubemowin
Nēhiyawēwin

Wakashan Language Family
diitiidʔaatx̣
Háiɫzaqvḷa
Kwak’wala
Nuučaan̓uɫ
’Wuik̓ala
Oowekyala /’Uik̓ala X̄enaksialak̓ala / X̄a’islak̓ala

X̱aas Kil / X̱aaydaa Kil Language Family
X̱aad Kil / X̱aaydaa Kil

Kitunaxa Language Family
Ktunaxa

Tsimshanic Lanugage Family
Gitsenimx̱
Nisg̱a’a
Sgüüx̣s
Sm̓algya̱x

What is the theme for 2022

The theme decades theme in 2022 is technology. Technology is bringing Indigenous generations together, allowing language learners to access resources, tools and programs no matter where they are. Technology has allowed Indigenous language learners and teachers a place to archive resources for future generations.

FPCC knows the important role technology has in language revitalization, that’s why we are dedicated to building online resources and programs.


See how we are using technology to preserve, revitalize and promote Indigenous languages in B.C.

  • FirstVoices
  • First Peoples’ Map of B.C.

How can I get involved in the decade?

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) is a strong advocate for Indigenous peoples’ right to live and speak our languages and practice our cultures. We provide funding, training, resources and support for language revitalization.

Language revitalization is becoming more and more accessible today with the use of technology. Check out maps.fpcc.ca and learn a greeting in your language area. When you’re traveling throughout the province take the time to learn about the language and connect to the communities you’re visiting.

Follow our journey on our social media channels:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
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First Peoples Cultural Council First Peoples' Cultural Council
1A Boat Ramp Road
Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1N9

Phone: (250)652-5952
Email: info@fpcc.ca

First Peoples’ Cultural Council is grateful to have our home in the beautiful traditional unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation people, in the village of W̱JOȽEȽP. We have an additional satellite office at Tk’emlups within the traditional territory of the Secwepemc people. Our leadership and staff are honoured to travel, conduct our work and provide support throughout Indigenous homelands across what is now called British Columbia and beyond.

© 2022 First Peoples' Cultural Council - All Rights Reserved.

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