Indigenous languages are more than just tools for communication – they embody the cultures, wisdom, and histories of many generations. Unfortunately, these languages are disappearing at an alarming rate, making their preservation critical.
CBC Indigenous responded to this need with the Original Voices program, a platform celebrating Indigenous languages across Canada. Launched in connection with the United Nations’ 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages, the program highlights the importance of preserving these invaluable linguistic treasures. As efforts to protect these languages expand, even unexpected platforms like online casinos are exploring ways to promote Indigenous culture and languages.
Incorporating Indigenous Languages into Online Casino Games
Building on the commitment to preserving Indigenous languages, the concept of integrating these languages into online casino games opens up new opportunities for cultural appreciation and education. Online casinos could feature games inspired by Indigenous stories, with language elements woven into gameplay – like teaching words or phrases as part of the experience. This not only makes the games more engaging but also promotes awareness and respect for Indigenous cultures among a global audience. A look into how resource covers ethnic connections in online casinos are preserving cultural storytelling in Saskatchewan reveals a thoughtful approach that blends digital entertainment with deep-rooted heritage, creating meaningful spaces where tradition and technology meet. Amid these social and historical ties, you’ll come across valuable insights into Saskatchewan’s gambling evolution – from a look back at Saskatchewan’s gambling history and its online casino regulatory framework to current online casino offerings and the criteria used to evaluate and rank them.
Here are some impactful features that could bring Indigenous culture to the forefront in online gaming:
- Interactive language moments, where players unlock phrases in Cree, Dene, or Michif during gameplay.
- Story-driven bonus rounds, inspired by traditional legends and teachings.
- Artwork and symbols drawn from authentic community collaborations.
- Audio narration by Indigenous speakers to preserve dialect and tone.
- Seasonal events tied to Indigenous calendars or celebrations.
- Charity-linked jackpots, with portions supporting local language revitalization projects.
The next step is exploring how these ideas can be applied through specific features, like storytelling, symbols, or audio elements, to truly bring Indigenous languages into the world of online gaming.
Detailed Platform Overview
Original Voices was born out of a deep commitment to honouring and celebrating the linguistic heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada in 2019. CBC Indigenous, as a leading voice in Indigenous media, took on the responsibility of creating a platform that would not only showcase the diversity of Indigenous languages but also engage communities in their preservation and revitalization efforts. The United Nations’ declaration served as a catalyst, emphasizing the global significance of this mission and inspiring a renewed sense of urgency.
Features of the Platform
Original Voices is a platform designed to showcase the diversity and richness of Indigenous languages in Canada. The platform combines interactive elements, informative content, and community engagement to create a unique and immersive experience for users. Some of the key features of Original Voices include:
Interactive Map:
- Developed in collaboration with Native Land to accurately represent the distribution of Indigenous languages across Canada.
- Allows users to explore languages by clicking on different regions and accessing detailed information about each language.
- Provides a visual and engaging way to discover the linguistic landscape of Indigenous Canada
Diverse Content and Resources:
- Offered a wide range of content, including personal stories from language learners and advocates, interactive language lessons, and cultural insights from elders and knowledge keepers.
- Provided a platform for language keepers and experts to share their knowledge and experiences.
- Encouraged users to actively engage with the content by listening to words, phrases, and stories in different languages.
Comprehensive Language List:
- Presents key information about each featured language, including pronunciation, regions spoken, number of speakers, and endangerment status (if applicable).
- Includes brief notes on dialects or unique characteristics of each language.
- Offers a quick and easy reference for users to compare and learn about different Indigenous languages.
Languages Table
To further showcase the diversity of Indigenous languages in Canada, Original Voices features a detailed list that provides key information about each language. The list includes the following languages and details:
West Region Languages
Language | Pronunciation | Regions Spoken | Number of Speakers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Comox (Éy7á7juuthem) | EYE-a-jooth-um | Vancouver Island | 361 language learners | UNESCO considers it critically endangered |
Haida | Hy-dah | Haida Gwaii, B.C. | 455 | Language isolate with no known connections to others |
Haisla | High-zlah | B.C. | 145 mother tongue speakers | Part of the Wakashan language family, critically endangered |
Heiltsuk | Hail-tsuk | Bella Bella and Klemtu, B.C. | 125 mother tongue speakers | Critically endangered but revitalization efforts are ongoing |
Halkomelem | halk-uh-may-lem | British Columbia, Washington State | 585 mother tongue speakers | Has 17 dialects divided into 3 main groups |
Kwak’wala | kwak-walla | Northern Vancouver Island and adjacent mainland | 425 mother tongue speakers | Part of the Wakashan language family with seven dialects |
Nakoda (Stoney) | Nah-KOH-dah | Alberta, Saskatchewan, U.S. | 3,665 | Siouan language family, related to Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota |
Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) | New-chaw-nulth | West Vancouver Island | 355 mother tongue speakers | Critically endangered |
Tsuut’ina | SOO-tih-nah | Alberta | 90 mother tongue speakers | Part of the Dene language family |
Secwepemctsín (Shuswap) | suh-WEP-muhc-teen | Interior B.C. | 200 | Interior Salish language with three dialects |
SENĆOŦEN (Saanich) | sen-CHOH-sen | Vancouver Island | 7 fluent speakers, 103 semi-speakers | Coast Salish language with a unique alphabet |
Ucwalmicwts | oo-Kah-mew-ch | Interior Coast Salish | 360 as mother tongue for both dialects | Dialect of St̓át̓imcets, also known as Lillooet |
Central Region Languages
Language | Pronunciation | Regions Spoken | Number of Speakers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Abenaki (Alnôbaôdwawôgan) | A-ben-a-key | Quebec, New England | Unknown | Critically endangered with revitalization efforts |
Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) | ah-NI-shi-NAH-beh-MOH-win | Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec | 28,130 (all dialects) | Five dialects, written using the Roman alphabet or syllabics |
Atikamekw | ah-TIK-ah-mek | Quebec | 5,915 | Algonquian language family, sometimes considered a Cree language dialect |
Cayuga | kay-YOO-gah | Ontario | Less than 55 as mother tongue | Part of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquoian) language family |
Cree | Kree | Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, N.W.T. | 96,575 | Most widely spoken Indigenous language in Canada |
Dakota | dah-koh-tah | Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba | 1,320 as mother tongue | Siouan language family, related to Nakoda and Lakota |
Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) | gah-NYEN-geh-hah | Ontario, Quebec, New York | 2,350 | Six main communities with dialect differences |
Lunaape (Munsee-Delaware) | Lu-naw-PAY | Ontario and U.S. | 1 first language speaker, less than 10 advanced speakers, approximately 100 novice or learning speakers | Critically endangered, part of the Eastern Algonquian language family |
Michif | mih-chif | B.C., N.W.T., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba | 1,170 | Combination of Cree and French, spoken by Métis people |
Oji-Cree | Oh-jeh-Kree | Northern Ontario, Island Lake region of Manitoba | 13,630 as mother tongue | Dialect of Anishinaabem |
Saulteaux | soh-toh | Manitoba, Saskatchewan | Approximately 1,000 according to the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre | Part of the Algonquian language family, closely related to Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) |
North Region Languages
Language | Pronunciation | Regions Spoken | Number of Speakers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dene Zhatie (South Slavey) | Deh-nay zhah-tee | Southwestern N.W.T., Northern Alberta, Northern B.C. | 995 as mother tongue | Part of the Dene language family |
Denesuline | deh-nay-soo-li-nay | Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, N.W.T. | 13,005 | Most widely spoken Dene language in Canada |
Hän | Haan | Yukon, Alaska | Unknown | Closely related to Gwich’in and Upper Tanana |
Inuktitut | ee-nook-tee-toot | Nunavut, Quebec, N.W.T., N.L. | 39,770 | Official language in Nunavut and N.W.T. |
Inuvialuktun | ee-noo-vee-ah-look-toon | Northwest Territories | 475 | Three dialects: Sallirmiutun, Uumarmiutun, Kangiryuarmiutun |
Inuttitut | ee-noo-tee-toot | Labrador | Unknown | Dialect of Inuktitut spoken in Nunatsiavut |
Inuinnaqtun | ee-noo-ee-nak-toon | Western Nunavut and Northeastern Northwest Territories | 675 as mother tongue | Official language in N.W.T. and Nunavut |
Southern Tutchone | two-shown-eee | Southwestern Yukon | 80 (reported as mother tongue) | Part of the Dene language family, considered critically endangered |
Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib) | tlee-chon | Between Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake, N.W.T. | 1,735 | Official language of the Tłı̨chǫ Government |
East Region Languages
Language | Pronunciation | Regions Spoken | Number of Speakers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Innu (Innu-aimun) | In-noo | Quebec, Labrador | 10,965 | One of the top 10 Indigenous mother tongues in Canada |
Mi’kmaw | MEEG-maw | Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island | 8,870 | Spoken in Mi’kma’ki, the territory of the Mi’kmaq |
Wolastoqey | WOOL-ah-sto-gway | New Brunswick, Quebec | 355 (reported as mother tongue) | Historically referred to as “Maliseet/Malecite” by Europeans |
Note: This table features a selection of the languages presented on Original Voices at the time of writing and is not an exhaustive list. The number of speakers and other details related to these languages can fluctuate over time due to various factors, including revitalization efforts, demographic changes, and other societal influences.
User Interaction with the Platform
Navigating the Map
Original Voices encourages users to actively engage with the interactive map to explore the Indigenous languages of Canada. By clicking on different regions, users can access detailed information about the languages spoken in those areas. Each language is accompanied by its pronunciation, the number of speakers, and its geographical distribution. This intuitive navigation allows users to embark on a virtual journey through the linguistic landscape of Indigenous Canada.
Engaging with Content (Previously Available)
When Original Voices first launched, it offered a rich collection of content aimed at promoting learning and appreciation for Indigenous languages. Users could previously access language learning resources like interactive lessons and audio recordings of words and phrases. By listening to stories and insights shared by language keepers and community members, users gained a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts where these languages thrived.
Joining the Conversation (No Longer Active)
Originally, Original Voices was more than just a platform for consuming information – it was also intended as a space for community engagement and dialogue. The initiative included a dedicated Facebook group where users could share their own stories, ask questions, and connect with others passionate about preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages. This social aspect fostered a sense of community and encouraged collaborative efforts in language preservation. However, this interactive component is no longer active.
Voices Echoing On
Original Voices is a ground-breaking initiative that celebrates the richness and diversity of Indigenous languages in Canada. By combining an interactive map, engaging content, and community participation, the platform not only raises awareness about the importance of language preservation but also actively contributes to the revitalization of these linguistic treasures.
As we navigate an increasingly globalized world, initiatives like Original Voices remind us of the invaluable role that Indigenous languages play in shaping cultural identity, transmitting knowledge, and connecting communities across generations. Through platforms like Original Voices, we can ensure that the voices of Indigenous peoples continue to resonate, and their languages remain a vibrant part of our shared heritage.
FAQs
A: Original Voices celebrates and aims to preserve Indigenous languages across Canada, like Cree, Dene languages, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway), and many others, through an interactive map, educational resources, and community engagement.
A: The platform features detailed information on dozens of Indigenous languages spoken in different regions, including Cree dialects, the Saulteaux language, Halkomelem from the Coast Salish family, and the original Mohawk language.
A: When first launched, users could access resources like audio recordings of common Anishinaabe words, lessons on the Ojibwe syllabics writing system, and podcasts in Cree dialects like Kokum Cree. However, some features may no longer be available.
A: Users explore an interactive map and click regions to learn about the languages spoken there, like the Stoney Nakoda First Nation’s territory, the areas where Inuit use the Inuktitut alphabet, or where the Oji-Cree dialect is spoken.
A: Yes, Original Voices provides information on the endangerment status of many languages, including notes on revitalizing critically endangered ones like the Cree dialects spoken as Native languages across Canada.
A: Original Voices launched in 2019 alongside the UN’s International Year, aiming to raise global awareness about preserving linguistic treasures like the Cree Indian language and others.