March 2025 Newsletter

Today, Monday March 31st marks National Indigenous Languages Day in Canada, a time to reflect and recognize the resilience and diversity of Indigenous languages across Canada. 

Since 1993, National Indigenous Languages Day has been recognized to honour the importance of Indigenous languages and to promote their survival. There are more than 70 Indigenous languages currently spoken in Canada, although many are largely endangered, as the majority of them maintain fewer than 1000 fluent speakers. Restrictive colonial policies like the Indian Act and residential schools prohibited Indigenous peoples to speak their own language. Residential school students caught speaking their language were punished, resulting in the attempted erasure of these mother tongues.  

Language plays a crucial role in preserving history, culture and identity, it is the way we connect to our ancestors, traditional stories and ways of knowing, without it we are at risk of losing the wisdom of the generations who came before us. Despite the challenges our languages have faced, they continue to be a source of strength and resiliency for Indigenous peoples. 

Indigenous language revitalization in Canada is happening through a combination of community-led initiatives, government funding, education programs and digital tools.  

Some key efforts have been: 

Education and Language Immersion: 

• Many Indigenous communities have language immersion schools and programs like the Mohawk immersion program in Ontario or Cree language programs in Alberta 

• Many communities use a teaching model where fluent speakers are mentoring learners 

Digital Media Initiatives: 

• Language apps like FirstVoices and Inuktitut Living Dictionary have been developed to help people learn  

• Indigenous radio stations and TV programs like APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) broadcast in Indigenous Languages 

• Many Indigenous peoples are starting to use social media to share language lessons and connect on storytelling 

Government Support and Legislation: 

• The Indigenous Languages Act (2019) was created to support and promote Indigenous languages. This act led to the development of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages which helps communities reclaim and strengthen their languages 

• Federal funding is provided through language programs such as Canadian Heritage 

Language is more than a tool for communication, within it we find cultural importance, identity, healing and traditional stories that are essential to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.  

Anishnawbe Health Toronto’s programs and services are rooted in the importance of Indigenous culture and traditions, allowing language to play a significant role in their delivery. AHT’s dedication to integrating traditional healing practices and cultural preservation coincides greatly with the revitalization of Indigenous languages and keeping our culture alive not just on reserve but also in urban settings like Toronto. 

This National Indigenous Languages Day, support our cultural revitalization by donating to Anishnawbe Health Foundation. Indigenous languages carry traditional knowledge, medicine teachings and a deep connection to identity which AHT then integrates into its holistic care, ensuring that Indigenous peoples receive culturally safe support. Your donation helps sustain these vital programs.  

Chi Miigwech, 

Brooke Harrison 

Senior Marketing, Communications and Donor Relations Manager