On behalf of: Indigenous Health & Rural and Remote Operations
March 31 is National Indigenous Languages Day, a day to celebrate the richness, beauty, and resilience of Indigenous languages. These languages are living knowledge systems that carry teachings about culture, identity, relationships, health, and connection to the land.
Colonial policies, including residential schools and the Indian Act, tried to erase these languages, causing deep and lasting harm. Yet Indigenous communities continue to reclaim and breathe life into their languages through revitalization, immersion programs, and intergenerational teaching — a powerful reminder of their strength, wisdom, perseverance, and importance of culture.
This day offers all of us a chance to pause, reflect, and learn. You might start by learning a greeting in the language of the territory where you live and work, practicing the pronunciation of Indigenous names, and noticing how language fosters connection, belonging, and understanding.
Some ways to engage and deepen your learning include:
- Learning the traditional name of where you live, work and learn.
- Learning more about the 36 First Nations languages in British Columbia.
- Learning a greeting in the traditional language of the territory where you live and work; share with your colleagues, friends and family.
- Familiarizing yourself with common local place names and their meanings in Indigenous languages.
- Reviewing Actions 4.29 and 4.30 in the Declaration Act Action Plan related to protecting and revitalizing Indigenous languages.
- Reviewing the Key Messages and Leadership Conversation Guidelines for National Indigenous Languages Day
National Indigenous Languages Day is about more than words, it’s about listening, learning, and respecting the living knowledge carried through these languages, and the people who speak them.
If you have questions or would like additional learning or conversation support, please connect with the Cultural Safety and Humility Team. The team is available to provide guidance, resources, and ongoing support as you deepen your understanding and engagement in this work.