Impacts on, challenges of, and innovative responses from Indigenous language learning communities during COVID-19
Indigenous language revitalization is deeply relational and often tied to specific territories, with communities across Canada working to keep their languages alive through immersion programs, classes, and recording projects. This work, while vital, often struggles for priority on the “societal agenda” and within communities. When the pandemic hit, it initially threatened to halt language activities; however, Indigenous communities did what they always have done in the face of danger and adversity: adapt. They created digital resources to teach about COVID-19 in their languages—using humor in video calls and informative social media posts—showing once again that, like water, Indigenous languages always find a way forward.
Social Media Responses
A team of NEȾOLṈEW̱ researchers storied the impacts of COVID-19 on Indigenous language revitalization (ILR). With face-to-face work halted, the research analyzed social media posts from March to July 2020, capturing how Indigenous communities across Canada and the U.S. adapted to sustain language efforts. This video presents findings on these adaptive strategies, showcasing the resilience of learners, teachers, and speakers.
Indigenous Languages Persistence during COVID19
This infographic presents key findings from their research, highlighting the adaptive strategies and resilience demonstrated by Indigenous communities during the pandemic.
