What are the Indigenous languages in the Far North?
Indigenous communities have existed for thousands of years. Estimates vary by region and people, but archaeological evidence suggests that the first inhabitants arrived between 15,000 and 25,000 years ago, if not earlier. Their languages are an essential part of their heritage and identity. Despite being threatened by modernization and past policies of forced acculturation, these languages continue to be spoken at the heart of Indigenous communities in the Far North.
According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015), colonial policies have caused intergenerational damage to Indigenous cultures and languages. To address this, the Indigenous Languages Act of 2019 was adopted to preserve, promote, and revitalize Indigenous languages in Canada, supporting Indigenous peoples in their efforts for linguistic reclamation and strengthening.
This article aims to offer you an insight into this fascinating linguistic diversity.
Different languages spoken in the Far North
In Canada, there are more than 70 distinct Indigenous languages spoken by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. These languages belong to 12 linguistic families, with the most significant being Algonquian, Iroquoian, Athabaskan, and Salishan.
Here is an overview of the Indigenous languages you might hear or even practice if you went on a mission to the Far North.
Inuktitut
Regions : Mainly spoken in Nunavik, which includes 14 Inuit communities, in Nunavut, and part of Labrador.
Origins : Inuktitut is one of the most spoken languages in the Canadian Arctic and is part of the Eskimo-Aleut language family. It is written in syllabics or Latin alphabet. It has been spoken for millennia and contains traces of other Inuit languages dating back nearly 4,000 years.
Number of speakers : Approximately 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 facilitate Bible translation.
Inuktitut has a rich vocabulary for describing weather conditions related to snow or ice and for differentiating between different species of seals.
Inuit often adopt family names based on first names, a practice influenced by European missionaries.
In Inuit culture, many stories, myths, and legends are transmitted exclusively orally.
Practice Inuktitut!
Qanirauq: Snow starting to turn into melting ice
Sikuliak: New ice formed on the sea
Pukak: Very fine, powdery snow
Aputi: Snow on the ground
Dene
Regions: Northwest Territories, Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Origins: Dene languages are part of the Na-Dene language family, which also includes Tlingit and, according to some hypotheses, Eyak, a now extinct language. Na-Dene languages are among the oldest in North America, spoken over a wide region from Alaska to Canada and 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: Approximately 13,000 people speak one of the Dene languages.
Did you know?
Dene languages are rich in spiritual and ceremonial vocabulary, reflecting their deep connections with nature.
Environmental changes have a direct impact on vocabulary, especially terms related to wildlife and flora.
Dene languages contain vast ecological knowledge, useful for sustainable natural resource management.
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 totem animal
Náhą: Earth, natural world
Cree Language
Regions : Spoken in the James Bay region, including communities like Chisasibi, Waskaganish, Wemindji, Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemaska, Waswanipi, Oujé-Bougoumou, and Whapmagoostui.
Origins: Cree is one of the most spoken Algonquian languages in Canada. Its origins date back several thousand years, well before the arrival of Europeans in North America. The Cree are an Indigenous people inhabiting a vast region stretching from northern Quebec to the western Canadian prairies.
Number of speakers: Approximately 12,000 people speak Cree in northern Quebec.
Did you know?
Cree is divided into several dialects, with James Bay Cree being one of the most spoken in northern Quebec.
Cree easily incorporates new words for modern concepts while maintaining its traditional roots.
The Cree of Quebec have implemented several initiatives to revitalize and preserve their language. Schools in James Bay offer Cree courses and educational materials to support language learning.
Practice Cree!
Wâpan: Dawn or sunrise
Tipiskâw: Night
Niskâ: Wild goose
Miyoskamin: Spring
Languages of the First Nations
Regions: Several Indigenous languages are still spoken today, and many of these languages have been grouped into the First Nations languages; Inuvialuktun in the Canadian Arctic, Naskapi in Kawawachikamach, and Innu-Aimun spoken in communities such as Matimekush-Lac John and Schefferville in northern Quebec.
Origins: First Nations languages have existed for millennia, having evolved through oral traditions and contact with Europeans. Naskapi and Innu-aimun use syllabic writing systems introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, facilitating their conservation and transmission.
Number of speakers: Only 1,000 people speak Naskapi, 3,000 speak Inuvialuktun, and 12,000 speak Innu-Aimun.
Practice First Nations Languages!
Did you know?
First Nations 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 Inuit and Innu, is a unique form of musical expression playing 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 with abundant snow, often associated with Arctic or mountainous regions.
Iglu (Inuvialuktun): Snow house
Inuksuk (Inuvialuktun): 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 place of French and English in the Far North
In territories like Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon, as well as parts of northern Quebec (Nunavik), English and French hold significant places. English is the primary language, widely used in cities, government administrations, and businesses. In these regions, English is taught in schools and widely understood by the population, especially in more urbanized areas.
As you know, French is also an official language in Canada, making it present in some parts of the Far North. However, for expanded role nurses, very few serviced regions are Francophone, requiring a functional level of English to go on a mission. In contrast, for regular nursing mandates and health care staff, the need to master 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 place of non-verbal communication in the Far North
During a mission within an Inuit community, you may also discover the importance of non-verbal communication. It is often used to convey short messages or express emotions.
Here are some examples that could be very useful:
“Hello”: A big smile will greet you.
“Yes”:** Our nod of head up and down will be replaced by a raise of eyebrows, which we often use to show surprise.
“No”: This time, the side-to-side head shake will be replaced by a frown of the forehead, eyes, and nose to show displeasure.
Pointing to something: It will be pointed with the lips rather than the finger.
A shoulder shrug:** This will mean "I don't know".
Eye contact: Used to establish a connection and show interest.
Sign language: In some Indigenous communities, sign languages may be used.
Space occupation: Sometimes people may show a connection by sitting nearby, whereas if they are reserved or intimidated, they will prefer to sit at a distance.
Therefore, it is very important during evaluations to pay attention to all non-verbal communication attitudes and gestures that could teach you a lot about your patients, especially in communities where elders and children only practice their first Indigenous language, like in the Cree community.
Communicating with Indigenous communities as nurses
In summary, being an expanded role nurse in the Far North requires sensitivity to cultural differences. Keep an open mind, stay informed, and seek to understand. Therapeutic touch, for example, may be misinterpreted if trust has not yet been established. Don’t hesitate to use visual aids to convey information. They will be easier to understand and can be reviewed later if needed.
Patients often come accompanied by someone who speaks English, which greatly facilitates communication. Otherwise, translators or family members can be used. Knowing a few basic terms in Indigenous languages and keeping them handy can greatly help and facilitate the development of trust with the Indigenous community. Feel free to download our guide “The Northern Adventure” to learn more about our values at Premier Soin Nordik and the adventure that may await you in the Far North.