The First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation is an Indigenous-led registered charity that funds community-based revitalization of Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage. 

The land currently known as British Columbia has an incredible diversity of cultures, with 204 First Nations, 35 languages and more than 90 dialects. Each nation knows and expresses its diversity and unique worldview through language, art and cultural heritage passed with care and intention between generations.

Over the course of decades, colonialism and genocidal policies (such as the residential school system) have disrupted and threatened the cultural systems which pass along this vital knowledge. The result is that Indigenous languages, arts and cultures are under critical threat.  Their revitalization can lead to health, social, environmental and economic benefits for Indigenous communities.

By supporting the resurgence of Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage, you are supporting the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. You are also supporting reconciliation and healing from colonial wrongs. Your contribution will fund Indigenous language and culture revitalization through community programs and initiatives such as:

• Mentor-Apprentice Program

The Mentor Apprentice Program funds 300 hours of immersive one-one-one language learning between fluent speakers and learners over the course of a year. The program is a highly effective way to increase the number of fluent speakers of a language.  MAP contributes to re-establishing natural language learning patterns, where language is passed down from one generation to the next.

• Language Nest Program

The Language Nest Program creates new language speakers through home-like cultural immersion environments for young children and their parents. In language nests, children learn their languages naturally as a mother tongue. 

• Reclaiming My Language Program

Many Indigenous people know or understand their language but are not able to speak it, often as a result of institutional abuse (for example, in residential schools). The Reclaiming My Language Program supports participants to reclaim their language and become speakers. Many program graduates go on to do language work in their communities and with their families and can contribute invaluably to language revitalization efforts.

• FirstVoices

FirstVoices is an internationally recognized online Indigenous language resource that allows communities to securely document their languages. In communities with few fluent speakers, language documentation is critical to keeping languages alive. Programs funded by the Foundation bring together Indigenous Elders and youth to document, share and learn their languages through innovative Indigenous-owned technology.  

For more information about our programs and to view our strategic plan, visit our website.