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Our monthly science question : How can we preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages?

June 2, 2025

( Update : June 2, 2025 )

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How can we preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages? The scientific question of the month demystifies complex topics with simple, effective answers.

Are languages really disappearing these days? With globalization on all fronts and international ultra-connectivity, you’d think that all languages would be more alive than ever. However, several factors are leading to their decline and extinction: colonization, genocide, wars and discriminatory laws are all having a negative influence. The majority of the world’s endangered languages are Indigenous, leading UNESCO to declare 2022–2032 the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Languages.

A threat to Indigenous languages in Canada Here in Canada, colonization, legislation, residential schools, and the Sixties Scoop have had, and continue to have, devastating effects on the transmission of Indigenous languages and cultures. In 2021, an estimated 237,000 people in the entire country declared an Indigenous mother tongue—just 13% of the 1.8 million people who identify as Indigenous.

Are Indigenous languages under threat? In Canada, some Indigenous languages—notably Cree and Inuktitut—are still represented in their respective territories and are thriving. Atikamekw Nehiromowin is declared as the mother tongue by 95% of Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok in Québec. However, for other languages such as Anicinabemowin, the situation is very worrying. Whatever their degree of vitality, Indigenous languages are in a precarious situation, making it important to step up efforts to support their preservation and revitalization.

Research in co-construction Indigenous languages and knowledge are central to the work of Nancy Wiscutie-Crépeau, a professor at Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) and member of the INRS-UQAT Joint Research Unit in Indigenous Studies. Her most recent work focuses on the preservation of the Anicinabe language, in partnership with the Minwashin organization. Through her approach, which promotes the decolonization of research, Professor Wiscutie-Crépeau’s work helps support collective efforts to preserve and transmit the language, while strengthening research capacity building.

Multiplying learning platforms In addition to language camps and courses for members of the communities concerned, transmission can take place through the arts, visuals, etymology, or archives. Preserving and revitalizing languages is part of a process of reaffirmation by and for communities. Decolonizing digital tools Some digital tools, including AI, offer valuable support in preserving Indigenous languages, knowledge, and know-how, but they also raise ethical concerns due to algorithmic biases. The adoption of appropriate frameworks surrounding the development of ethical and responsible technologies is becoming essential.

Honouring the beauty of language To meet the challenges associated with revitalizing an Indigenous language, it is essential to recognize variations of the language and respect the different dialects,” says Professor Wiscutie-Crépeau. A key way to do this is to keep orality at the heart of learning. Valuing diversity allows us to honour the richness and beauty of the language.

Read more:

Nancy Wiscutie-Crépeau: Raising Awareness About Reconciliation Issues in Education 
Nancy Wiscutie-Crépeau: Raising Awareness About Reconciliation Issues in Education 
Nancy Wiscutie-Crépeau
Nancy Wiscutie-Crépeau

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