Líl'watul elder attends Paris launch of UNESCO's decade of Indigenous languages

A Líl'watul elder from Mount Currie, B.C., took part in the launch of UNESCO's Indigenous languages global action plan in Paris, France, this week.

Lorna Williams, who has spent close to 50 years fighting for Indigenous languages, said the gathering was a great way to meet people from around the world and discuss what's working in the Global Action Plan.

"Our languages are really important for our sense of identity, our sense of who we are," said Williams, 75.

"Our languages also help us to understand our lands."

The United Nations has declared 2022-2032 the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and the event in Paris on Tuesday was the official launch. Williams sits as an observer on UNESCO's Global Task Force for the Decade.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stated in a news release that at least 40 per cent of the world's 6,700 languages are threatened. The decade's Global Action Plan will aim to add new speakers, champion Indigenous languages and advocate for improvements in all areas for the speakers' lives.

"It advocates for greater access to food, justice and health care services, social cohesion, digital empowerment, culture, biodiversity, access to employment within the context of revitalization, cultivation, and sustainability of Indigenous languages," said Clare O'Hagan, a UNESCO spokesperson, in the release.

Williams said the plan is broad because it had to speak to the challenges of a global effort.

The plan calls for more awareness for Indigenous languages, calls on countries to provide financial support for Indigenous language revitalization, and for member states to recognize Indigenous languages and integrate Indigenous languages into government policies.

All ages need to learn languages, says Williams

Williams applauds the calls but says Indigenous people in Canada still need more specific help.

"We need a much more rounded plan," said Williams.

"We can't just place the burden on our children … they need others to talk, too." 

She said she would like to see communities and adults committed to learning the languages, to create more language nests to increase the number of speakers.

Williams also sits as the chair of the First Peoples' Cultural Foundation, a B.C. charity that supports Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage. She said that organization is doing great work in digitizing Indigenous language programs. 

She said the FirstVoices website provides a platform for over 50 Indigenous languages with apps and digital keyboards and could serve as a beacon for other educators. 

"They made a commitment to support every language and I just think that's pretty phenomenal," said Williams. 

Access to digital technology was another topic at the UNESCO discussions and Williams said other language advocates were making strides to preserving their language with online tools.

Williams said she's hopeful with commitments from the federal, provincial and First Nations governments that many of the languages will be revitalized.

She said she left the UNESCO launch inspired by the Indigenous youth now championing language.

"What we come up with in 10 years will really move our languages into a better place," said Williams.