INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION

The Indigenous Language Revitalization Symposium, held in October 2024, brought together Indigenous community members, SFU faculty and administrators, and experts in language preservation to discuss effective strategies for Indigenous language revitalization.

Supported by SFU’s Aboriginal Strategic Initiative and the McConnell Foundation, the symposium highlighted best practices, challenges, and policy recommendations aimed at accelerating fluency and ensuring the sustainability of Indigenous languages.

In partnership with the British Columbia Collaborative for Social Infrastructure. This collaborative is designed to strengthen social infrastructure across the province and advance Reconciliation by uplifting Indigenous communities.

Proudly supported by:

Dr. Kelli Finney

Dr. Kelli Finney received her PhD from Simon Fraser University’s Department of Linguistics in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, where she was recognized with the Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal for her outstanding research and academic achievements. Her doctoral work focused on X̱aad Kíl (Northern Haida), an Indigenous language spoken on Haida Gwaii.

Dr. Finney’s doctoral thesis, Negotiating Meaning in X̱aad Kíl, adopts a conversation analysis approach to document speech patterns drawn from archival conversations, speeches, and stories. Close work with Elder Lawrence Bell, who was one of the last birth speakers of X̱aad Kíl, provided rich cultural and contextual insights into the language and made the completion of the thesis possible.

KEY FINDINGS

Indigenous language revitalization efforts face significant challenges, including:

Limited Funding: The need for sustainable and long-term financial support for language programs, including learner stipends and wages for language teachers.
Capacity Building & Succession Planning: A critical need for training programs that prepare new generations of Indigenous language educators.
Access to Immersion-Based Learning: Evidence suggests that immersive learning environments are the most effective in building fluency, yet many communities lack the resources to implement such programs.
Integration of Technology: Digital tools and online course delivery offer opportunities to expand language learning, yet require investment in infrastructure and training.
Policy and Structural Barriers: Challenges in institutional recognition, credentialing, and integration into educational systems limit the reach and effectiveness of language revitalization efforts.

Sustainable Funding Models

Establish long-term core funding mechanisms to support Indigenous language programs beyond short-term grants.
Provide scholarships and stipends for learners to participate in full-time immersion programs without financial barriers.
Develop public-private partnerships with universities, governments, and philanthropy to secure diversified funding sources.

Strengthening Indigenous Language Teacher Training & Credentialing

Expand Indigenous language teacher training programs to equip fluent speakers with pedagogical skills.
Develop certification pathways that formally recognize Indigenous language educators within provincial and national educational frameworks.
Support community-based mentorship and apprenticeship models to facilitate knowledge transfer between fluent speakers and new learners.

Enhancing Immersion Learning Opportunities

Increase access to full-time immersion programs through financial support and institutional partnerships.
Develop community-based immersion initiatives, such as language nests and land-based language camps.
Support family and intergenerational learning models that incorporate language use in daily life.

Leveraging Digital Tools for Language Preservation

Invest in Indigenous-led technology development, including language learning apps, digital archives, and AI-assisted translation tools.
Support online course delivery and hybrid learning models to expand access for remote communities.
Provide training for Indigenous language educators on effective digital pedagogy and curriculum development.

Institutional & Policy Support

Recognize Indigenous languages as official languages within provincial and national educational frameworks.
Develop policies that integrate Indigenous language instruction into K-12 and post-secondary education.
Support Indigenous-led governance and decision-making in language revitalization efforts, ensuring that policies reflect community priorities.

GOVERNMENT & POLICYMAKERS

Establish Indigenous Language Revitalization Funds to provide stable financial support for community-led programs.
Implement policies that formalize Indigenous language instruction in schools and post-secondary institutions.
Strengthen collaboration between government agencies and Indigenous communities to co-design language policies.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Expand Indigenous language degree programs and training opportunities for educators.
Recognize Indigenous language courses as meeting core curriculum requirements for graduation and professional certification.
Provide administrative and financial support for community-led language initiatives.

PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATIONS & PRIVATE SECTOR

Support long-term funding commitments to Indigenous language initiatives.
Invest in technological solutions and innovation for Indigenous language education.
Partner with Indigenous communities to develop economic models that sustain language programming.