Lingít: a love language for community—Children of the Taku Society and UBCO partner to document language reclamation and resilience

Indigenous language in B.C. is facing a critical state of emergency, largely due to historical Canadian government policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples into English-speaking, non- Indigenous society. However, located in northern B.C., the Children of the Taku, a non-profit society working to protect the land, culture and language of the Taku River Tlingit People, is leading a revival of their language.

Despite the passing of all their Elders who were fluent in the language, a new cohort of Lingít speakers is emerging. Through the use of an innovative curriculum and methodology, a group of Tlingit individuals and settler-allies are progressing from zero speaking ability to advanced fluency. 

Together, with Dr. Christine Schreyer from UBC Okanagan, they are documenting the journey of these cohort members while also capturing stories of language loss through residential schools and the resilient efforts of community members, particularly Elders, to revitalize and preserve their linguistic heritage for future generations. 

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