Pathways to Thriving:
Community-Based Indigenous Language Planning
Background
The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (the Commission), in partnership with Indigenous language revitalization experts and three First Nations communities, W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, and Kinoséwi Sípíhk (Norway House Cree Nation), developed practical and purposeful resources to support community-based Indigenous language planning.
The work focused on two key areas:
- Completing a systematic review of existing Indigenous language plans; and
- Working alongside three First Nations communities to co-develop, study, and document their language planning processes.
The resulting resources include the Pathways to Thriving: Community-Based Indigenous Language Planning report, an accompanying workbook, and companion videos. Together, these adaptable tools are designed to help communities assess priorities, develop strategies, and create sustainable plans for the future of their languages.
About the Resources
Community-based Indigenous language planning brings together Elders, youth, teachers, leaders, language champions, and community members to create a shared vision for their language.
The Pathways to Thriving resources are designed to support Indigenous communities at every stage of language planning. They provide practical guidance, planning activities, and adaptable tools to help communities identify priorities, strengthen existing efforts, and create language plans that reflect their unique strengths, needs, and aspirations.
Report
Pathways to Thriving: Community-Based Indigenous Language Planning shares findings from a systematic review of Indigenous language plans alongside lessons learned through collaboration with three First Nations communities.
The report highlights promising practices, guiding questions, practical considerations, and community reflections that can help inform and strengthen future language planning efforts.
Workbook
The accompanying workbook is a practical planning tool designed to help Indigenous communities develop or strengthen their own language plans.
Through guided activities and reflection questions, the workbook helps communities understand their current language situation, identify strengths and priorities, engage supporters, and develop a community-driven roadmap for the future of their language.
Video Resources
Indigenous Community Language Planning
This video introduces community-based Indigenous language planning and the Pathways to Thriving resources, which provide practical, adaptable tools to support Indigenous communities in developing language plans that reflect their unique goals and priorities.
Indigenous Community Language Planning Workbook
This video introduces the Pathways to Thriving workbook and how it can support Indigenous communities in developing or strengthening their language plans.
For more information, contact:
For questions about the Commission, our mandate, or for any other inquiries, please contact us at general.inquiries@ocil-ila.ca