Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization in Solidarity with One Another

The steady incline of urbanization of Indigenous peoples in Canada has been a growing trend, exacerbating the decreasing number of Indigenous peoples speaking their native languages and participating in cultural practices. This emphasizes the importance of having urban language programs that support Indigenous language learners in the city.

My research looked at methods of teaching children Indigenous languages in urban spaces and uncovered teaching concepts and methods that aid in language learning for both children and adult learners. I also investigated what urban programs were occurring that support both children and adult learners. This image is from the Young Indigenous Women’s Circle of Leadership summer camp 2022. It deeply shows how these young girls from different Indigenous backgrounds are brought together to unite and grow in their cultures and languages. These youth will become culture and language teachers to the next generations. These urban programs that support cultural and language revitalization empower them to reclaim their heritage languages and empower one another on their journey.