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First Nations and Endangered Languages Program

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Program Origins & Location

The First Nations Endangered and Endangered Languages Program (FNEL, formerly known as the First Nations Languages Program, FNLG) was initiated in 1996 as part of UBC’s ongoing commitment to community-based collaboration with First Nations peoples, in recognition of the profound importance of First Nations languages, and the rich cultural traditions they represent.

FNEL and UBC’s Vancouver Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-speaking Musqueam people. In 1997, a partnership was initiated between the First Nations Languages Program and the Musqueam Indian Band to promote the development and use of hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, Musqueam’s traditional language, through collaborative research initiatives.

The Unique Linguistic Heritage of BC

All of the 34 surviving First Nations languages of BC are critically endangered. The loss of any one of these languages, which have flourished for millennia being passed from generation to generation as rich and vibrant oral traditions, constitutes an irreplaceable loss of a living expression of intellect, of specific cultural understanding, of a vital link to the past, and potential keys to our collective well-being, health, and sustainability.

Why Study with FNEL?

FNEL provides transformative learning environments that value and model ethical community engagement and collaborative partnerships. The program equips students to apply the skills they develop through their courses in language documentation, conservation, and revitalization in relevant and sustainable ways.

The program regularly offers university-level language courses in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Generations of FNEL students have benefited from various other First Nations languages, including Cree (Plains Algonquian) Kwak̓wala (Northern Wakashan), Nɬe’kepmxcin (Northern Interior Salish), Dakelh Dene (Carrier Athapaskan), Dene Zāge’ (Kaska Athabaskan) and Nuu-chah-nulth (Southern Wakashan). FNEL methodology courses explore the processes and protocols for the documentation, conservation, revitalization, and reclamation of endangered languages, cultures, and Indigenous knowledge systems locally, regionally and internationally.

Students can customize their program with an array of interdisciplinary experiences including personalized directed studies courses, community collaborations and electives.

Program News

The program operates Twitter and Facebook accounts and publishes a monthly e-newsletter called the ɬoop, which is found on the program’s website.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ubcfnel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UBCFNEL/

E-Newsletter: http://fnel.arts.ubc.ca/news/newsletter/

First Nations Unicode Font

The First Nations Unicode Font was developed by the UBC FNEL Program under the auspices of a UBC Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF), and is accessible to anyone with the aim of promoting documentation and literacy in First Nations languages.

The First Nations Unicode Font [FNuni_v2.3] allows the user to see and type certain characters used in First Nations languages.

First Nations Unicode Font for Windows or Macintosh can be downloaded from the UBC FNEL website.

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