Dear partners, stakeholders and rightsholders,
I am pleased to share the 2025–2026 Annual Report of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. Marking the conclusion of the Commission’s first five years, the report reflects progress in advancing its mandate to help promote Indigenous languages and support Indigenous Peoples in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining and strengthening their languages.
As Interim Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, I acknowledge the leadership of former Commissioner Stsmél̓qen Dr. Ronald E. Ignace and former Directors Georgina Liberty, Robert Watt and Joan Greyeyes. Their vision, commitment and relationships helped create a strong foundation for the work ahead. I also recognize Commission staff and the many Elders, Knowledge Keepers, language speakers, learners, educators, youth, communities and partners whose knowledge and leadership continue to shape this work.
The Annual Report highlights progress across the Commission’s mandate, including research on Indigenous language vitality and funding adequacy; fluency and immersion teacher education; Indigenous-led innovation and youth leadership; Dispute Resolution Services; and national and international relationships. It also reflects on WAVES 2025, the Commission’s first Global Indigenous Languages Summit, which brought together more than 2,000 participants from 20 countries and 195 presenters to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and advance collective action for Indigenous languages.
The Annual Report is also an important part of the Commission’s independent accountability role under the Indigenous Languages Act. In accordance with section 43 of the Act, the Commission reports annually on the use and vitality of Indigenous languages in Canada; the needs of Indigenous peoples and entities specialized in Indigenous languages, and the progress made in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining and strengthening Indigenous languages; the adequacy of funding provided by the Government of Canada for Indigenous language initiatives; and the implementation of the Act. The report also includes information provided by federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations to help inform the Commission’s reporting on federal implementation.
As we reflect on the Commission’s first five years, we are also looking ahead. The United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages is approaching its midpoint, while the independent review of required under the Act provides an important opportunity to examine implementation, strengthen accountability and consider what is needed to make the rights and commitments recognized in the Act meaningful in practice. The progress reflected in this report belongs to the many people and communities carrying their languages forward every day. The Commission remains committed to walking alongside Indigenous Peoples and helping build the conditions in which Indigenous languages are safe, vibrant and thriving.
I invite you to read the 2025–2026 Annual Report and continue working with us to advance Indigenous languages for generations to come.
Miigwetch,
Candice St-Aubin
Interim Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer
Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages