Language is intrinsic to the expression of culture. As a means of communicating values, beliefs, and customs, it has an important social function and fosters feelings of group identity and solidarity. It is how culture, traditions, and its shared values may be conveyed and preserved. Every time a language dies, so does an expression of human experience like no other.

The United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages begins in 2022. First Nations representatives from British Columbia joined more than 500 participants from 50 countries in Mexico City in February 2020 to discuss a roadmap for the Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032). At least 40% of the 7,000 languages used worldwide are at some level of endangerment. Indigenous languages are particularly vulnerable. One of the world’s top “language hotspots” of endangered languages is the heart of British Columbia it is the home to 34 distinct languages and seven language families. Together these account for more than 60 per cent of all Indigenous languages spoken in Canada.

We urge leadership, educators, and communities to develop an appreciation and understanding of the significance of Indigenous languages and to support comprehensive plans to be put into immediate actions for Secwepemctsin, St’át’imcets, Nłakapamxcín Nuxálk, Tsilhqot’in, Dakelh and Nsyilxcən languages because it will contribute to language revitalization and contribute to sustained Indigenous identity, and culture.