Darlene Brander emphasizes the ongoing efforts required to rejuvenate Indigenous languages in Canada, highlighting the significance of hearing young individuals speak their native languages with pride and purpose. As the President of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre, Brander acknowledges the importance of events like the annual First Nations Language Keepers Gathering, which convenes educators, academics, and advocates dedicated to Indigenous language preservation and revitalization.
Addressing the decline of Indigenous languages in urban areas and among youth, Brander stresses the urgent need to develop and distribute language resources within communities to combat language erosion. Recent census data reveals a decrease in the number of individuals in Saskatchewan proficient in Cree dialects, underlining the pressing need for language retention efforts.
Despite a national decline in Indigenous language speakers capable of conversing proficiently, there is a growing interest in learning Indigenous languages. Second-language speakers now constitute a significant portion of Indigenous language speakers in Canada, indicating a positive trend towards language revitalization and preservation.
Commissioner Ron Ignace from the federal Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages underscores the imperative of creating a comprehensive strategy to support language teaching and learning initiatives in communities. With half of Canada’s languages classified as critically endangered or endangered, there is a critical need to safeguard and promote Indigenous languages to preserve cultural heritage and identity.
Ignace advocates for exploring language immersion education models from countries like New Zealand and Hawaii as a source of inspiration. He emphasizes that language erosion goes beyond mere vocabulary loss, asserting that Indigenous languages are integral to the spiritual essence of Indigenous communities.
The efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages in Canada are crucial for preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of identity and pride among Indigenous peoples.