Linguistics, First Nations, Research
First Nations Language Centre races to preserve B.C. First Nations languages
January 17, 2017
The Squamish language, Skwxwú7mesh snichim, is on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 10 fluent speakers remaining.
All B.C. First Nations face a similar reality, which is creating an urgent and growing interest among First Nations adults to learn, or relearn, their languages.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action features the importance of language and culture and what universities can do to strengthen languages,” says Marianne Ignace, director of SFU’s First Nations Language Centre (FNLC).
“SFU has been working in this area since the ’90s, and we’re continuing to establish new language-learning partnerships with First Nations language groups.”