International Year of Indigenous Languages

The UN proclaimed 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages. In conjunction with this declaration, UNESCO launched a special website dedicated to the theme, which was commemorated by UNESCO members and partners throughout 2019.

Language plays a vital role in conveying history, carrying tradition and cultural identity, in relating story, distinguishing world views and sharing values.

In recent years, the Trust has worked with a number of Indigenous communities to share their stories in their own voices and, where possible, their own languages, through events, our Heritage Matters magazine and provincial plaques.

In Heritage Matters:

Intangible heritage, Autumn 2017

• Ontario's Language Heritage, by Elaine Gold
• A Thirst to Learn, by France Picotte
• Still Alive and Speaking, by Taylor Gibson
• The Elders Taught Me, by Brian Waabishki-makwa McInnes
• Clay Connection - Indigenous Living and Creativity, by Rick Hill

Voices of the landscape, September 2016

• Reconnecting with Cree culture, language and land, an interview with Bob Sutherland

Some examples of plaque stories that have interpreted (or shared) Indigenous languages include:

• Alderville Manual Labour School
• Battle of Moraviantown, 1813 (Battle of the Thames)
• Champlain in Ontario 1615
• Chief Francis Pegahmagabow, 1889-1952
• Jean-Baptiste Lainé Site
• The Anishinaabeg at Lake of Bays
• Upper Gap Archaeological Site