Meet the changemakers: Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization

The changemaker series highlights the organizations BHP Foundation partners with to address the root causes of sustainability challenges. This time, we highlight the Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization project implemented through the University of Alberta (U of A) and its associated language Champions.

Why SILR’s work is needed

Language is at the heart of cultural identity. Words and expressions are a vital component of culture and identity in need of preservation in order to pass ancestral wisdom on living well, respecting the land, and maintaining harmonious relationships between generations.

More than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken by First Nations people, Métis and Inuit across Canada. However, several Indigenous languages in Canada are classified as endangered, and many more are at risk. In 2021, the number of Indigenous people who reported they could speak an Indigenous language had decreased by 4.3 per cent since 2016. To address this decline, key bodies, institutions and organizations must come together in a coordinated effort to rejuvenate the Indigenous language ecosystem. Intersecting culture and well-being, SILR is an important project within BHP Foundation’s program of work in Canada, designed to contribute greater equity and self-determination for Indigenous Peoples.

Our Approach

U of A partnered with BHP Foundation from 2021 to develop a novel approach to preserve and rejuvenate Indigenous languages with commitment from individuals, communities, government and academic institutions.

The SILR project focuses on four key areas:

Community-centred: Working with partners in different communities to define their unique communities and ensure effective engagement and participation.

Adaptive Language Programs: Modifying and expanding language programs to support the use of Indigenous languages in multiple areas.

Research and Wise Practices: Capturing and broadly sharing research and wise practices across program and policy spaces.

Cultural and Contextual Understanding: Recognizing and collaborating with diverse Indigenous communities, communities not residing in a particular place, and community organizations and businesses such as schools, translation firms, and NGOs.

Through this system, SILR’s initiatives are empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim their stories, ceremonies and ancestral wisdom.

SILR’s approach is rooted in the belief that language revitalization is not just about learning words; it’s about creating spaces for empowerment, healing, growth, and cultural integration. It believes that developing inclusive and supportive environments is essential for ensuring that Indigenous peoples thrive in their learning journeys.

Communities supported so far 

SILR is working to integrate language revitalization approaches and tools into policy and practice in communities and the education system. Since its inception, more than 3,500 youth, students, teachers and Elders/Knowledge keepers have engaged in language-based activities on campus, in communities and online. SILR is also working with 40 communities engaged in Community-Centred Collaborative Agreements, each creating and participating in unique Indigenous language revitalization initiatives and community-centred collaborations. 

A couple of examples of the work SILR supports includes Braiding Stories to Live by, a program that empowers young Indigenous women by fostering a nurturing space to share intergenerational knowledge and wisdom; and the Young Indigenous Women’s Circle of Leadership, which supports young Indigenous women’s self-worth, pride, and respect for themselves and others through the learning of cultural values, traditional practices and leadership.  

Looking ahead 

Building support in a complex ecosystem of stakeholders takes time, and no single activity holds the solution. So, the SILR team is focused on a variety of different projects and activities, from developing academic linguistics studies, development and production of language materials for communities such as comic books and apps, and community activities integrating cultural practices such as baking Bannock and beading.  

Alyna Wyatt, BHP Foundation’s Canada Country Director, said that SILR is gaining good traction since the project kicked off in 2021. 

“SILR has built incredible momentum over the past years starting slowly, building trust amongst communities and other language revitalization players in the ecosystem,” said Alyna. 

“SILR is now not only delivering impactful projects direct to learners, teachers and community members, but they are also playing an important role of guiding language practices across the country and influencing national and international discourse,” she said.