National Indigenous Languages Day

According to Statistics Canada, one Indigenous person in eight (237,420) claims to be able to speak one of the 70 distinct Indigenous languages well enough. Between 2021 and 2016, there was a drop of 10,750 people likely to be able to hold a conversation in one of these languages.

This first decline since the data were collected (1991) is explained in part by the fact that fewer people learn an aboriginal language during childhood and master it (mother tongue).

The conclusions are clear. Indigenous languages in Canada are under threat. Some are even endangered, despite signs of revitalization.

National Indigenous Languages Day raises awareness of the need to protect and revitalize Indigenous languages. They contribute to the cultural survival and enrich the linguistic heritage of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada. It also pays tribute to the efforts of these communities.

In a joint statement by several federal ministers (Canadian Heritage, Crown—Indigenous Relations, etc.) in 2024, they declared:

“Indigenous languages are the living expression of a people’s connection to their ancestors, their land and their way of life. They encapsulate the wisdom of generations and are central to the social fabric of Indigenous communities.”

The United Nations (UN) has declared 2022–2032 the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Languages. This is another way of drawing attention to the situation of many endangered indigenous languages. The aim is also to encourage linguistic diversity and support the rights of indigenous peoples to preserve and promote their languages.

Find out how to say, “hello and how are you?” in several native languages by visiting this site.