What is the status of BC First nations languages? - First Peoples

How can we revitalize B.C. First Nations languages?As noted in the centre of Figure 1, the First Nationslanguage and its speakers must be central to therevitalization process. Also, planning and consultingshould be continuously carried out throughout theentire process. The language revitalization processwill only be successful if it is planned in consultationwith remaining fluent speakers, communitymembers, stakeholders, and local government.These groups are the flesh and bone of the revitalizationprocess. Without their support and participation,revitalization will not happen since revitalizationof the language depends on their using andembracing the language in all aspects of their lives.First Peoples’ Council StrategiesThe First Peoples’ Council Language Program providessupport and funds strategies that correspondto each of the eight steps required for successfullanguage revitalization, and speak to the needs ofB.C. First Nations communities.Assess the Status of Your LanguageBefore beginning the planning and implementationsteps, it is important for communities to be ableknow how many people speak the language, howoften and what resources and level of motivationthere is in the community.Community Mobilization and SupportIt is imperative that language revitalization effortsinclude all levels of community and leadership support.By educating the community, and promotingand celebrating the language, support, participationand encouragement will be gained.First Peoples’ Council Strategies:Promotion. Improving community and public understanding andappreciation of First Nations languages.Language Authority and Language Plan Development.Communities with the same language are asked to cometogether to collaborate in spite of geographical challenges,dialect, political and community differences. Communitymembers work as a team to share resources, knowledge,funding, resource people, infrastructure, and expertiseto develop a Language Authority and Language PlanDevelopment.Language Revitalization ResearchIt is important for communities to be aware of previouswork that has been done on language revitalizationin B.C. and around the world, as well as intheir own language.First Peoples’ Council Strategies:Information Sharing. Developing mechanisms for sharinginformation, materials and other resources among FirstNations language groups.First Peoples’ Council Strategies: 35Researching and providing statistical data. Conductingassessments on the status of First Nations languages use atthe community level.35The First Peoples’ Council language needs assessment is a good example.34Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages