More Canadians learning Indigenous languages, but everyday usage, youth necessary to thrive

Statistics Canada has shown that a growing number of people in Canada are learning an Indigenous language, especially languages such as Blackfoot, Cree languages, Ojibway, Salish languages, and Inuktitut. However, StatsCan also found that the share of the Indigenous population that is able to speak an Indigenous language has declined over the past two decades, a finding that is likely impacted by the growing likelihood of self-identification, while the total number of people who are able to speak an Indigenous language has risen by 8%. This trend holds implications for the future and vitality of Indigenous languages in Canada. “Regardless of the type of acquisition, for Aboriginal languages in Canada to not only continue to exist but also to thrive, past research suggests that it is necessary that these languages be transmitted to children and be used in everyday life,” explained the study. StatsCan | Nunatsiaq Online (Canada)