What Are the Indigenous Languages of the Far North ?

According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015), colonialist policies and residential schools caused intergenerational damage and cultural genocide by attempting to destroy Indigenous cultures and languages. To address this, the Indigenous Languages Act of 2019 was passed to preserve, promote, and revitalize Indigenous languages in Canada, supporting Indigenous peoples in their efforts to reclaim and strengthen their languages.

Through this article, we aim to offer you a glimpse of this fascinating linguistic diversity.

The presence of Indigenous peoples on the lands now known as Canada dates back thousands of years, long before the arrival of European explorers. Estimates vary by region and people, but archaeological evidence suggests that the first inhabitants arrived between 15,000 and 25,000 years ago, or even earlier.

Different Languages Spoken in the Far North

In Canada, over 70 distinct Indigenous languages are spoken by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. These languages belong to 12 linguistic families, with the most prominent being Algonquian, Iroquoian, Athapaskan, and Salishan.

Here is an overview of the Indigenous languages you may have the chance to hear or even practice if you were to go on a mission in the Far North.

Inuktitut

• • Regions: Mainly spoken in Nunavik, which includes 14 Inuit communities, in Nunavut, and parts of Labrador.
  • Origins: Inuktitut is one of the most widely spoken languages in the Canadian Arctic and belongs to the Inuit-Aleut language family. It is written in either syllabic script or the Latin alphabet. It has been spoken for millennia and contains traces of other Inuit languages dating back nearly 4,000 years.
  • Number of speakers: Around 12,000 people speak Inuktitut in Nunavik.
• Did you know?
  • Inuktitut has a unique writing system called syllabics, developed by Anglican missionaries in the 19th century to aid in Bible translation.
  • Inuktitut has a rich vocabulary for describing weather conditions related to snow and ice, as well as distinguishing between different species of seals.
  • Inuit often adopt family names based on given names, a practice influenced by European missionaries.
  • In Inuit culture, many stories, myths, and legends are passed down orally.
• Practice Inuktitut!
  • Qanirauq: Snow that begins to turn into slushy ice.
  • Sikuliak: New ice formed on the sea.
  • Pukak: Fine, light, powdery snow.
  • Aputi: Snow on the ground.

Dene

• • Regions: Northwest Territories, Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
  • Origins: Dene languages belong to the Na-Dené language family, which also includes Tlingit and, according to some hypotheses, Eyak (now an extinct language). Na-Dené languages are among the oldest in North America. They are spoken over a wide area, from Alaska to Canada and down into the southwestern United States. These languages are important for understanding the history and traditions of Indigenous peoples, as well as their migrations and interactions over the centuries.
  • Number of speakers: Around 13,000 people speak one of the Dene languages.
• Did you know?
  • Dene languages are rich in spiritual and ceremonial vocabulary, reflecting their deep connection to nature.
  • Environmental changes have a direct impact on vocabulary, especially terms related to wildlife and plants.
  • Dene languages contain vast ecological knowledge, useful for the sustainable management of natural resources.
• Practice Dene!
  • Ts’įn’įį: Life, vital breath.
  • Sahka: Axe or cutting tool.
  • Tl’ı̨chǫ: People, often used to refer to the Dogrib.
  • Xǫ́ǫx: Raven, an important totemic animal.
  • Náhą: Earth, natural world.

Cree

• • Regions: Spoken in the James Bay region, which includes communities such as Chisasibi, Waskaganish, Wemindji, Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemaska, Waswanipi, Oujé-Bougoumou, and Whapmagoostui.
  • Origins: Cree is one of the most widely spoken Algonquian languages in Canada. Its origins go back thousands of years, long before Europeans arrived in North America. The Cree are an Indigenous people who inhabit a vast region stretching from northern Quebec to the prairies of western Canada.
  • Number of speakers: Around 12,000 people speak Cree in northern Quebec.

• Did you know?
  • Cree is divided into several dialects, with the Bay James dialect being one of the most widely spoken in northern Quebec.
  • Cree easily integrates new words for modern concepts, while preserving its traditional roots.
  • Cree communities in Quebec have launched various initiatives to revitalize and preserve their language. Schools in the James Bay area offer Cree language courses and educational materials to support language learning.
• Practice Cree!
  • Wâpan: Dawn or sunrise.
  • Tipiskâw: Night.
  • Niskâ: Wild goose.
  • Miyoskamin: Spring.

First Nations Languages

• • Regions: The situation of Indigenous languages worldwide remains fragile, but we are fortunate that several Indigenous languages are still spoken today. Inuvialuktun from the Canadian Arctic, Naskapi from Kawawachikamach, and Innu-Aimun from the Matimekush-Lac John and Schefferville communities in northern Quebec are grouped here.
  • Origins: First Nations languages have existed for millennia. They have evolved through oral traditions and interactions with Europeans. Naskapi and Innu-Aimun use syllabic writing systems introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, which has helped preserve and transmit these languages.
  • Number of speakers: Only 1,000 people speak Naskapi, 3,000 speak Inuvialuktun, and 12,000 speak Innu-Aimun.
• Did you know?
  • First Nations people use detailed oral descriptions to navigate and map their territory. For example, the Innu use stories to describe routes, waterways, and natural landmarks.
  • Throat singing, practiced by the Inuit and Innu, is a unique form of musical expression that plays an important role in ceremonies and social gatherings. These songs mimic the sounds of nature and animals, creating a deep connection with the environment and ancestors.
• Practice First Nations Languages!
  • Uqsuqtuq – Inuvialuktun: A place where snow is abundant, often associated with Arctic or mountainous regions.
  • Iglu – Inuvialuktun: Snow house.
  • Inuksuk – Inuvialuktun: Stacked stone structure used as a landmark.
  • Kâpâshîsh – Naskapi: Child.
  • Pîsim – Naskapi: Moon.
  • Shipeku – Innu-Aimun: River.
  • Tipâshimûn – Innu-Aimun: Story or tale.

What is the Role of French and English in the Far North?

In territories such as Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon, as well as parts of northern Quebec (Nunavik), both English and French play important roles.

English is the primary language most commonly used in cities, government administrations, and businesses. In these areas, English is taught in schools and widely understood, particularly in more urbanized areas.

As you know, French is also an official language in Canada. This allows French to be present in some parts of the Far North, particularly in Nunavik. It is used in government institutions, schools, and public services, alongside Inuktitut. This linguistic coexistence helps preserve Inuit culture and traditions while respecting and valuing the official language.

For advanced practice nurses (NPs), very few of the regions served are French-speaking, which requires a functional level of English to go on mission. However, for classic nursing mandates and healthcare staff, the necessity of speaking English varies by region. For example, in Gaspésie, Abitibi, and Saguenay, English is not a priority, but in other regions, the requirement to speak English depends on the city or community.

What is the Role of Non-Verbal Communication in the Far North?

During a mission within an Inuit community, you may also encounter non-verbal communication. It plays an important role and is often used to convey short messages or express emotions.

Here are some examples that might be very useful:

• “Hello”: A big smile will greet you.
• “Yes”: The upward nod we typically use is replaced with raised eyebrows, often used to express surprise.
• “No”: The sideways head shake is replaced by a frown, with furrowed brows and nose to express discontent.
• Pointing at something: It will be pointed to with the lips rather than with a finger.
• Shrugging: This signifies “I don’t know.”
• Eye contact: Used to establish connection and show interest.
• Sign language: In some Indigenous communities, sign languages may be used.
• Personal space: Some people may demonstrate a desire to connect or share by sitting close, while others may prefer to sit at a distance if they are more reserved or intimidated.

It is crucial during assessments to be attentive to all non-verbal communication gestures, as they can teach you a lot about your patients, especially in communities where the elderly and children only speak their first Indigenous language, such as in Cree communities.

Communicating with Indigenous Communities as a Nurse

In conclusion, being a nurse in an advanced role in the Far North requires sensitivity to cultural differences. Keep an open mind, stay informed, and seek to understand. Therapeutic touch, for instance, may be misinterpreted if trust has not yet been established. Don’t hesitate to use visual aids to convey information, as these will be easier to absorb and refer to later if needed.

Patients often come with someone who speaks English, making communication much easier. Otherwise, you may rely on translators or a family member. Knowing a few basic terms in Indigenous languages and keeping them nearby can greatly help and facilitate the development of trust with the Indigenous community. Feel free to download our guide “The Far North Adventure” to learn more about our values at Premier Soin Nordik and the adventure that may await you in the Far North.