OCIL and Statistics Canada Formalize Collaboration to Support Indigenous Languages - Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages

March 27, 2026 – Ottawa, ON

On March 27, 2026, the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (OCIL), in partnership with Statistics Canada (StatsCan), marked an important milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at OCIL’s head office in Ottawa.

This agreement formalizes a growing collaboration between OCIL and StatsCan, grounded in a shared commitment to support Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen their languages, while also contributing to a stronger and more responsive national statistical system. The event opened with welcoming remarks from Director Georgina Liberty, followed by opening prayers from First Nations Elder Verna McGregor and Inuk Elder Meeka Kakudluk. The ceremony brought together partners and guests in a shared moment of reflection and purpose.

Commissioner Ronald E. Ignace and Chief Statistician André Loranger each spoke to the importance of this collaboration before formally signing the MOU. Métis Elder Oliver Boulette closed the ceremony ahead of a light reception.

Through this agreement, OCIL and StatsCan will work together to:

Collaboratively develop, publish, and promote data and analytical products on Indigenous languages, building on the 2021 Census of Population and other data sources;

Support statistical capacity development and mutual learning related to Indigenous language data;

Engage on the development of data collection tools, including future Census content, to better reflect Indigenous languages and realities.

This collaboration builds on our continued work, including the release of reports on Indigenous language families in Canada, and reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that Indigenous language data is accessible, relevant, and useful to communities.