The B.C. government has launched a new edition of the open-source BC Sans font in collaboration with FPCC’s FirstVoices.
BC Sans, which was first introduced in 2019, supports language revitalization by providing a font with the correct characters used in First Nations languages in B.C. FPCC supported the development of the new edition, BC Sans 2.0, which corrects limitations with certain character sets and now offers a wider array of formats, including light, regular and bold characters with matching italics.
BC Sans 2.0 supports typing in the 34 First Nations languages of B.C. Click here to see the full list.
“FPCC was pleased to contribute expertise to the development of BC Sans 2.0, an important technology tool for First Nations in B.C.,” says Bridget Chase, FirstVoices Manager. “This free, open-source font makes it possible for community members and the public to digitally render all characters used in the 34 First Nations languages of this land. The investment by the Government of B.C. to develop and adopt this font is an important step towards reconciliation.”
Use of the BC Sans font is required by all new and current government employees, as well as government services that are hosted externally. “BC Sans is a gesture towards bringing reconciliation to life,” says Andrew Pratt, former Government Communications & Public Engagement Graphic Communications Director and one of the initial founders of the BC Sans typeface.
FirstVoices started working with the B.C. government on the original project in 2019. Indigenous language expert Chris Harvey, from Language Geek, was also involved to develop and improve upon the original characters and syllabic glyphs in an effort to further support Indigenous languages in B.C.
The creation of this font is a great step towards reconciliation and Indigenous language revitalization. This resource not only provides support for Indigenous peoples to use their language but also shows the B.C. government’s commitment to DRIPA by providing access to languages in digital spaces.
Interested in using this font? Here are a few ways for you to start:
- Have the font available as a keyboard on your devices so you can correctly spell community names
- Use the font in casual written communications with colleagues and peers
- Use it as a tool to improve your familiarity with Indigenous languages
To download BC Sans 2.0, search “BC Sans 2.0” in your web browser or click here.
Learn More
Explore B.C. First Nations languages on FirstVoices.com.
Explore language resources in the FPCC Resource Library
View the Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages, 4th Edition, 2022 here.
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