There are few fluent Indigenous language speakers, and as a result, Indigenous languages are becoming extinct. With funding and support from the Government of Canada, NWAC is launching its Heritage Language Project. The goal of this project is to provide task-based language learning (TBL) videos on YouTube that teach Indigenous languages to those who wish to learn or improve their knowledge.

NWAC has recruited First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Knowledge Keepers and Elders to lead the lessons, which will be offered at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The TBL process provides online participants with an opportunity to learn a language after selecting a category of interest relevant to their personal lives, tradition, or region. The language teachers will teach key terms and phrases during their lesson.

Providing an opportunity to share, learn and understand Indigenous language will contribute to elevating the importance of Indigenous languages.

The language being taught may include Indigenous linguistic variation (for example, Passamaquoddy contrasted with Wolastoqey), cultural expressions, and idioms relevant to Indigenous Peoples.

The language teachers will also share traditional knowledge about crafts, food, medicine, music, and tea.

A professional videographer will record each TBL lesson and add a closed caption, so viewers may understand Indigenous linguistic variation. The videos will be posted on YouTube this spring.

Participants may learn heritage languages at their own pace at any time or day. Providing an opportunity to share, learn and understand Indigenous language will contribute to elevating the importance of Indigenous languages.

The Heritage Project videos will also provide intergenerational opportunities to support Indigenous ontology. As such, NWAC is inviting participants to share what they learn with their family and friends.