Victoria Firms Unite to Boost Indigenous Language Revitalization

Two companies based in Victoria, Canada, have announced a partnership aimed at bolstering Indigenous language revitalization efforts across the country. On December 10, 2023, Language Foundry, an e-learning platform dedicated to preserving at-risk languages, joined forces with Remarkable Communications, a digital storytelling agency. This collaboration seeks to enhance community-driven language education and support Indigenous self-determination.

Language Foundry specializes in creating customizable online language courses in partnership with Indigenous communities. The platform employs community members—including Elders, artists, and fluent speakers—to produce art and audio content, ensuring that each community retains ownership of its materials and data. Currently, the platform is utilized by over 300 teachers and 40 school boards, reaching more than 10,000 students across Canada and the United States.

“Language is a vessel for culture and identity,” said Chad Quinn, CEO of Language Foundry. “With one language going quiet every 14 days, we know we are in a race against time. We wanted to create a tool that communities can use to reduce the burden on speakers and teachers while digitizing knowledge for future generations.”

Partnership Focused on Community Empowerment

Remarkable Communications complements this initiative by collaborating with Indigenous leaders, communities, and allies on digital storytelling projects rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. Since its establishment in 2019, the organization has supported over 1,000 projects, aiming to amplify Indigenous voices and narratives.

“This partnership is about increasing support for Indigenous communities in leading their own revitalization work, without added burden,” stated Laurel Anne Stark, a spokesperson for Remarkable Communications. The goal is to expand access to language education and communication tools designed to preserve cultural knowledge and empower Indigenous communities.

The collaboration arrives at a critical time, as many Indigenous languages face extinction due to historical and ongoing pressures. By combining efforts, Language Foundry and Remarkable Communications aim to provide innovative solutions that foster the revitalization of these vital languages.

Both organizations emphasize the importance of engaging community members in the learning process. Their approach not only focuses on language preservation but also seeks to strengthen cultural identity and heritage among Indigenous peoples.

As the partnership develops, it is expected to pave the way for further initiatives that prioritize Indigenous-led efforts in language education. The impact of these joint efforts could resonate across Canada, serving as a model for similar projects worldwide.

Through this collaboration, Language Foundry and Remarkable Communications are setting a precedent for how technology can support cultural revitalization efforts, ensuring that Indigenous languages and traditions are passed down to future generations.