ABSTRACT
Canada is home to hundreds of heritage languages, in addition to French and English, that enjoy official status. Often overlooked in the dialogue on heritage languages and policy are the original languages of the land, those of Canada’s Indigenous First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The approximately 60 distinct Indigenous languages have mostly been excluded by policymakers, but some recognition has been accorded to languages in Manitoba, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. We review the policies now in place across Canada and consider the evidence that is beginning to emerge regarding their effectiveness. Although extensive policies at the state level are lacking, Indigenous community members are developing policies that support their own heritage languages. As a case study, we focus on British Columbia, a province with 34 First Nations languages, the greatest diversity within Canada. At the community-level, language documentation, education within and outside schools, language planning, and collaboration across communities are all areas where a range of policies have emerged. Increasingly, these revitalization initiatives are led by youth who are reclaiming their heritage languages as an integral part of their identity. We conclude with several recommendations for Indigenous heritage language policy.
