ABSTRACT
British Columbia, Canada, is home to 203 First Nations communities, 34 languages and 61 dialects. Approximately 60% of the First Nations languages of Canada are spoken in BC. According to the 2014 Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages, 4.08% of BC First Nations speak an Indigenous language, 59% of speakers are 65 years or older and 65% of communities have access to recordings of their language. Research has shown a link between a strong linguistic and cultural identity and an increase in social, mental and physical wellbeing (First Peoples’ Cultural Council 2014). Communities engaged in language vitalization have observed increased rates of high school graduation, which include mature students returning to complete basic education and heightened motivation to attend University and other post-secondary programs. Currently, language apprentices from across BC are completing Master’s Degrees to prepare them to support language vitalization in their communities.
