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Preserve and amplify Indigenous voices for a sustainable future

Language is the lifeblood of culture—let's keep it flowing. Documentation and recording are vital for preserving, revitalizing and promoting languages. This program will empower you to document, store and share Indigenous languages for generations to come. You'll develop technical skills needed by communities for language documentation initiatives. What’s more, you will engage in meaningful work to capture and safeguard the voices of our past, present and future.

If you're passionate about preserving Indigenous languages and empowering your community through language reclamation, join a program where culture meets technology. Harness the renewable energy of language and together let's create a more sustainable future for our communities and cultures.

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

Questions?

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Program at a glance

Program description

The Indigenous Language Documentation micro-certificate provides training for those looking to engage in language documentation and reclamation initiatives. Learners will gain skills in documentation and recording, learn proper protocols for working with knowledge keepers and archival documents, create new materials for Indigenous language revitalization, and gain a better understanding of intellectual ownership of Indigenous intangible cultural property. Participants in this credit program will gain essential skills for employment. This includes activities such as audio/video recording and editing, creating resources and best practices for record collection, and language revitalization projects at the community and government level.

Program features

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Versatile
Courses taken through this program can be used towards the Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization.
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Experiential Learning
This program allows you to integrate theory with practice by engaging with your instructors and fellow classmates. You will be given the opportunity to learn tools and techniques with immediate hands-on real-world experience.
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Manageable
Our Indigenous Language Documentation program is designed with a busy lifestyle in mind. Three 1.5 unit credit courses that make up the program can be taken on a part-time basis.
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Credibility
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a micro-certificate.

Program partners

Faculty of Humanities, Department of Linguistics

StongerBC logo

The StrongerBC future skills grant is now available in 2024 (January to March) for midstream learners. For more information and eligibility criteria, view the grant details.

Program outcomes

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

  • make and edit new audio recordings
  • effectively engage Elders and other individuals in the recording process
  • digitize and preserve audio and video recordings created on old media
  • edit and engage with recordings done by other people
  • manage and store data in a way that respects data sovereignty and intellectual property rights
  • create new resources using audio and video
  • make an authentic and relevant contribution to Indigenous language revitalization efforts in your own
    community

Interested in continuing your learning? The Indigenous Language Documentation micro-certificate leads
directly into the Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization.

Who is this program for?

The Micro-certificate in Indigenous Language Documentation is designed for Indigenous individuals or non-
Indigenous individuals with strong connections to an Indigenous community who are:

  • looking to engage in language documentation work in their communities
  • working in language revitalization and want to upskill for new initiatives
  • wanting to create new language and cultural resources
  • wanting to add a professional credential that will enhance their careers

They may have diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from high school graduates to individuals with
advanced degrees. Some participants may have previous experience or education related to linguistics,
anthropology or Indigenous studies.

This micro-credential will be of value to individuals from various industries and sectors including:

  • Indigenous community organizations and institutions
  • Indigenous government agencies and departments (e.g. departments of culture, education or language preservation)
  • non-profit organizations and NGOs focused on language revitalization and cultural preservation
  • educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and schools with Indigenous language programs

If you resonate with more than a few items on the list below, you are not alone. This program could
support your professional development if you:

  • are passionate about language preservation and revitalization
  • are tech-savvy and interested in utilizing digital tools for language documentation and
    conservation
  • have a strong sense of cultural identity and connection to Indigenous heritage
  • interested in becoming a steward of your culture, ensuring its preservation for generations to
    come
  • value the importance of cultural heritage and its transmission to future generations
  • regularly engage with Elders and community members to learn and document language
  • want to become a catalyst for a more connected and culturally rich future
  • embrace community-oriented initiatives and collaboration

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  • Language revitalization projects
  • Language education
  • Cultural and community programming
  • Assisting researchers and linguists
  • Assisting archivists and librarians specializing in Indigenous language materials
  • Policy advising for Indigenous language rights

Instructors

News and resources

VIEW PROGRAM: Indigenous Language Revitalization

VIEW INFO: Resources for indigenous students

Courses and fees

To successfully complete the Micro-certificate in Indigenous Language Documentation, participants must complete the three core courses below.

THREE (3) REQUIRED COURSES:

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Course 1 $616.56
Course 2 $616.56
Course 3 $616.56
Undergraduate admission application $82.50
Estimated Total $1,932.18*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.

Application information

Admission requirements

This program is open to all learners with preference given to Indigenous applicants, individuals with close
connections to Indigenous communities and individuals working on behalf of Indigenous nations and
organizations.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form to apply to this program.

StrongerBC future skills grant

The StrongerBC future skills grant is now available in 2024 (January to March) for midstream learners. For more information and eligibility criteria, view the grant details.

Application dates

Starting in
October 2023
Availability
Not Currently Accepting
Apply by
Dates TBD
Contact us for more info

Questions?

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 Tel {{ data.responsibleStaffPhone || '250-472-4747' }}

RELATED TOPICS: Indigenous Language and Culture

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