A new resource has been developed to support the work of Indigenous people, communities and organizations in language revitalization. The resource was presented recently by Pam McCoy Jones of SILR (right) to language advocates such as Lynda Minoose, who heads the first Denesųłįné Language and Culture Department on Cold Lake First Nations (left). (Photo credit: John Ulan) A new resource has been developed to support the work of Indigenous people, communities and organizations in language revitalization. Towards Indigenous Language Revitalization: An Informative Resource offers learners and communities ideas on what to consider when tailoring their own strategies for language learning and revitalization, says Pamela McCoy Jones, executive director of Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization. SILR, a comprehensive six-year initiative administered by the University of Alberta, developed the guide as part of its mandate to support Indigenous and community-led projects to revitalize languages for current and coming generations. “The resource helps transform and strengthen the capacity of Indigenous-led language revitalization,” McCoy Jones says.

Seeing a path forward

Designed to be accessible for all Indigenous language advocates, educators, speakers, leaders and learners, the resource can help them “see a path forward” in their revitalization efforts, she adds. “People don’t always see themselves in formal learning environments, so we wanted to provide an abundance of information so that anyone looking at language learning would be inspired, and able to see themselves in this resource as learners, developers and advocates.” The guide also recognizes the richness and complexity of Indigenous languages and how they are intertwined with cultural, social and historical contexts, she notes. “It highlights the intricate web of relationships with diverse dialects and linguistic structures, and the oral traditions unique to each community.” Along with that, the resource shows how the work of language revitalization requires a collective effort from communities, leaders, educators, administrators and policy workers, she adds. “There is no ‘one size fits all’ in this work, and there’s this broad scope of effort and investment that is necessary.” The resource supports the work already being done by Indigenous communities and through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, relatively new Indigenous language legislation in Canada and international focus through the Indigenous languages Decade (2022-2032) to reclaim and revitalize their languages, she adds. “It recognizes all the language champions who have come before us and reminds us to focus steadily on the importance of our work and the intended impact for future generations.”