March 31st has been celebrated as National Indigenous languages day for over 30 years in Canada. Established in 1989 by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), this is a day to celebrate the diverse languages of the First Peoples and to acknowledge the essential work that is needed to preserve them. Due to generations of colonial policy, the over 70 Indigenous languages in Canada have been declared critically endangered. In June of 2019, the Indigenous Languages Act was enacted with the intention of supporting the reclamation, revitalization, and strengthening of Indigenous languages in Canada in response to Calls to Action 12, 14, and 15 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and elements of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Learn more:
- BCAFN Celebrates National Indigenous Languages Day
- AFN: Languages and Culture
- Government of Canada: Indigenous Languages
- Government of Canada: Indigenous Languages Legislation
- Podcast: Reviving and Revitalizing Indigenous Languages w/ Dr Lorna Williams
- First Voices (A language learning resource)