The First Peoples’ Cultural Council will work in partnership with First Nations communities to develop and implement revitalization plans for each of the living Indigenous languages in the province according to a news release.
In Budget 2018, BC allocated a $50-million grant to the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) to help revitalize Indigenous languages.
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council will also provide funding to increase the number of words and phrases uploaded to the FirstVoices online oral dictionary and expand the available online resources.
Fewer than 6,000 people speak one of the 34 Indigenous languages in B.C.
“Urgent action is needed as many Indigenous languages are in danger of becoming extinct,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
“One of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s key priorities is revitalizing language. That’s what this work is about – not just giving lip service to reconciliation, but taking action.”