British Columbia, February 18, 2026

Language is the pillar of our culture and our identity. Deeply rooted in our history and carried forward through generations, it shapes the legacy we pass on to the future. That is why we are committed to supporting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages.

Last week, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, travelled to Victoria to meet with the First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPCC) and visit First Nations communities to learn more about the important work being done to revitalize Indigenous languages across British Columbia.

Minister Miller visited the AU, WELEW Tribal School to observe immersion and weaving classes. He also met with Songhees First Nation language learners developing curricula and concluded his trip to xsepsm (Esquimalt) Nation, learning about language revitalization and honouring the memory of Elder Elmer Seniemten George, one of the last fluent Lekwungen/Songhees speakers.

FPCC is the First Nations Regionally Designated Organization for British Columbia. In 2023-24, FPCC and the Government of Canada established a five-year agreement providing $131 million to support First Nations language revitalization across the province.

This funding will support First Nations in reclaiming and protecting their languages, while also enabling the Council to implement a long-term language revitalization strategy in partnership with First Nations communities and organizations in British Columbia.

To date, funding delivered through the FPCC's programming has helped more young people immerse themselves in their languages through classes and camps and has expanded access for Indigenous language learners, immersion, mentor-apprentice programs, language documentation and long-term strategic community language plans.