An important initiative dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages in Canada. The initiative highlights the importance of safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments for language learning, where youth, community members, and language learners can develop their skills and practice freely.
Speak Indigenous is an important initiative dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous languages in Canada. The initiative highlights the importance of safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments for language learning, where youth, community members, and language learners can develop their skills and practice freely.
Our Perspective
Speak Indigenous campaign emphasizes that Indigenous languages are more than just words—they are a direct connection to ancestors, culture, and identity. The Speak Indigenous Language Campaign aims to raise awareness and advocate for safe spaces where Indigenous languages can be spoken and preserved. The Speak Indigenous initiative encourages a broader, inclusive approach to ensuring the survival and flourishing of Indigenous languages across Canada.
Canada is home to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, each with their own distinct cultures and languages
600+
Recognized Indigenous communities in Canada
90+
Distinct Indigenous languages spoken in Canada
70+
Indigenous languages in Canada are facing a significant threat of extinction
Past Events
Join us for the Manitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy (MALS) Annual Language Symposium proudly hosted by The University College of the North’s Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation division at the Thompson Regional Community Centre on May 20-21, 2025.
This year’s theme is “Intergenerational Dialogues: Reclaiming and Reimagining Indigenous Languages in the 21st Century.”
godhé xu ʔałnedhé xu ʔełel daltxi: nuheyatxie nilchu xu, hųzǫ hure’tį hilye xa didi nene k’e
This symposium provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate, strengthen, and revitalize Indigenous languages throughout Manitoba.
Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the conversation.
Registration Ended !
Our Projects
Introductory Language Books Series
The Introductory Language Book series is intended to support and spark language learning; it is also meant to support pathways back to language and community. This series deliberately omits active narratives in the hopes of facilitating interactive learning between generations and allows the users to embark on learning pathways that take shape organically and is user specific. The Books saves as a catalyst for language reclamation
Bridging Innovation and Culture
The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tools in language learning is very important because they create fun and engaging experiences that help people learn better. These tools allow learners to practice speaking and understanding in real-life situations, which makes it easier to remember what they learn. VR and AR make language learning more exciting and help students feel more connected to the language and culture
Create safe space
The wolf speaks a powerful language, gifted by Creator, carrying a message of resilience and communication, encouraging us to reconnect, reclaim, and work to revitalize Indigenous languages into the future, calling us to join together in strength and speak.
Our work requires making safe spaces for languages to be spoken…we want, we need [people] to speak
-Starlett Beardy
A Decade of Indigenous Languages: UNESCO
Statistics Canada has recently reported that, “while the work to revitalize Indigenous languages [in Canada] reflects their importance to Indigenous peoples, it also reflects the reality that many languages, which had at one time flourished, have become endangered.” The decline of Indigenous languages can be traced back to successive waves of colonial policies, and reversing this trend requires urgent, coordinated, and multifaceted approaches.
The United Nations Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) calls us to take steps to protect and promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism through focused interventions such as “awareness-raising campaigns…with the aim of promoting multilingual education…and eliminating negative perceptions towards Indigenous Peoples and their languages”
Community Involvement
Speak Indigenous extends an open invitation to anyone on their language journey, whether they are just beginning to learn or are already proficient. These safe spaces provide the freedom to practice, develop, and embrace their language without fear of judgment
Our Amazing Partners and Funders
