The Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) in Canada has found itself at a bit of a crossroads, grappling with the sudden loss of crucial funding for its Urban Indigenous Language Hub. This program has been a lifeline for hundreds of Indigenous people seeking to reconnect with their ancestral languages.

Since its inception in 2018, the Urban Indigenous Language Hub has worked to help Indigenous communities reclaim their linguistic heritage. The program offers immersive classes in seven Indigenous languages, such as Nihiyaw and Dakota. However, the recent announcement from Canadian Heritage has cast uncertainty over the future of the initiative.

Ron Rice, the center’s executive director said he is concerned the funding cuts will have a disproportionate impact on urban Indigenous populations. He said that despite constituting the majority of the Indigenous population in British Columbia, urban Indigenous communities have often been overlooked in language revitalization efforts. The loss of federal funding not only jeopardizes the continuity of language classes but also undermines the progress made in preserving endangered languages.

The implications of this funding crisis extend beyond the realm of language instruction, touching upon broader issues of cultural identity and intergenerational knowledge transmission. As fluent speakers, many of whom are elders, pass away, the risk of language extinction looms large. For urban Indigenous individuals striving to reconnect with their roots, the loss of this vital resource represents a profound setback in their journey towards cultural revitalization.

VNFC is continuing to seek alternative avenues for support. Minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation, Murray Rankin, has reaffirmed the province’s commitment to partnering with Indigenous communities to secure long-term funding for language revitalization initiatives. Additionally, VNFC is actively engaging with elected officials and mobilizing community support to bridge the funding gap.

[Watch the interview on CTV News]

To support the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and its vital language revitalization efforts, consider making a donation here.