CIRCA:First Voices
From CIRCA
First Voices is a database created by the First People's Cultural Council for Indigenous communities primarily in British Columbia to preserve their language. It creates a space for communities to teach and archive their linguistic heritage. Each community chooses whether they want their language learning tools to be open or password protected depending on their needs. First Voices also gives a base for communities that have lost heir language to rebuild their histories. The platform is a space for elders and youth to connect as elders share their language knowledge and youth improve their digital literacy while recording the knowledge from the elders.
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Concern
Many Indigenous languages are at risk of becoming extinct. Around the world, indigenous people suffered genocide or were forbidden to speak their native languages under assimilation policies as their lands were colonized. This means their linguistic history is fading, in many cases with only elders left who speak the language. Bringing their languages back is a way of bringing their ways of knowing back. Language influences our worldview. Our heritage is the living expression of our identities and is part of having a healthy community. Looking after our cultural legacy is looking after our people.
First People’s Cultural Council
In 1990, the government of British Columbia formed the First People's Cultural Council as a crown corporation to assist First Nations in their efforts to revitalize their languages, arts and cultures. Their mission is supported by legislation: First People's Heritage, Language and Culture Act.
First Voices
Timeline
Language Learning
Dictionary apps Keyboards Language Lab
Heritage
Over 60 communities archive their languages Living expression of identities Members retain ownership
Technical Support
Open-source software Training in professional audio recording and archiving
Apps
References
First Peoples' Cultural Council 2021 <https://fpcc.ca>, retrieved 15 October 2021 First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation 2021, FirstVoices <https://www.firstvoices.com/home>, retrieved 14 October 2021 Garcia, Isabella 2020, How Technology Helps Preserve Endangered Indigenous Languages, <https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2020/04/15/technology-indigenous-languages>, retrieved 15 October 2021 Korff, J 2021, Aboriginal language preservation & revival, <https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/language/aboriginal-languagepreservation>, retrieved 15 October 2021
