Speak Indigenous is a Canadian initiative, developed in Northern Manitoba, dedicated to revitalizing and preserving Indigenous languages. It promotes safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where youth, community members, and language learners can freely develop their skills and connect through language.
Speak Indigenous organically emerged from multiple circles of Language Keepers in Northern Manitoba. Guided by the wisdom of Elders, the initiative was founded on the belief that creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth is a vital first step toward Indigenous language recovery and revitalization.
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”
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
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.
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
Our Amazing Partners
