Help revitalize our languages for future generations.

The Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization (CILR) program provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to develop practical strategies for local language revitalization initiatives. The program offers hands-on learning opportunities that are rooted in traditional knowledge and practices, and that are accessible to all students.

2024/25

We are thrilled with the number of amazing applicants we have received for the 2024-25 CILR National Online Cohort. Our cohort is now full. Please email cilr@uvic.ca if you'd like to add your name to the waitlist in case spaces open up.

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Program description

The award-winning and accessible Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization is offered by the University of Victoria's School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures and the Division of Continuing Studies, in partnership with the En'owkin Centre.

The goal of the certificate program is to develop an understanding of the complex dynamics of language loss, maintenance and recovery, while also providing practical strategies for work in Indigenous communities to preserve and revitalize threatened languages. This program is designed to honour traditional knowledge and practices, to recognize and accommodate the realities and needs of diverse communities, and to provide a foundation for both language revitalization activities and for further study in linguistics, education and/or cultural resource management.

The CILR program has expanded its offerings and now provides students with a second delivery style:

Face to face

  • In community – Tailored to and delivered on site in partnership with Indigenous nations, communities and organizations, or with other colleges

  • On campus – Occasionally courses are delivered on campus, however the full program is not accessible on campus at this time

Online

  • NEW! – Delivered online to individual learners from across Canada looking to gain skills in Indigenous language revitalization

Courses can be taught on-site in a partner community, online or occasionally courses are offered on campus in Victoria. Core coursework combined with flexible elective offerings enables individuals to develop both knowledge and practical strategies for language revitalization activities.

Program participants include individuals working with communities in the revitalization and teaching of Indigenous languages, or with agencies involved in the development and delivery of language and cultural revitalization policies and programs. In partnership, the courses can be offered in flexible delivery options as a full certificate or as individual courses.

Program features

  • Networking opportunities:
    • engage with like-minded individuals from a variety of Indigenous language groups and communities
    • become a part of a network of students from across the country who are passionate about language revitalization
  • Accessible: two delivery styles to choose from and no prerequisites required
  • Customized: course content is customizable to meet the unique and specific priorities of communities and cohorts
  • Recognizable: earn a credential from a wellrespected and recognized university
  • Flexible: laddering opportunities and transfer credits for further academic study
  • Specialist instructors: learn from highly qualified instructors including academics, as well as language activists, fluent Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers

Program partners

Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures


En'owkin Centre logo
The En'owkin Centre


As well as partnering with various Indigenous communities and organizations.

Program outcomes

CILR participants will:

  • learn how to implement language revitalization activities, programs and events in their communities
  • acquire foundational knowledge and skills for language revitalization
  • be equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills in linguistics needed to undertake language preservation and revitalization work
  • learn strategies and best practices in a global context, in order to work on authentic activities and projects at a local level
  • be able to address community protocols and intellectual property issues in preservation activities

Who is this program for?

The CILR program is designed for those who have an interest in working with Indigenous communities and/or agencies in the revitalization and teaching of Indigenous languages.

Past participants have included students from diverse geographic regions who are looking to learn from one another, as well as from experienced instructors and resource people.

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  • Language Revitalization Project Coordinator
  • Language Documentation Officer
  • Language Programs Assistant
  • Language Teacher Assistant
  • Government Employee

Instructors

News and resources

Courses and fees

Participants in the certificate program must complete five core courses (7.5 units) and three elective courses (4.5 units).

Electives are chosen based on partner participant interest. If you are taking the program in a community cohort, electives will be taken together and are usually tailored to the community context, language and needs. 

To assist in your program planning, you can also view all course descriptions on one page. 

 

PLUS THREE (3) ELECTIVES BELOW (*Note- one (1) must be a language learning course)

Estimated fees

Budgets for in-community delivery can vary, and a detailed budget projection can be provided that reflects current prices and community needs. Fees for individual students are assessed at the current University of Victoria tuition rate for undergraduate students. Please contact us for details.

Application information

How to apply

Idividuals: The 2024/25 National Online Cohort is now full. Please email cilr@uvic.ca to add your name to the waitlist in case spaces become available.

Partner communities: We continue to take on new partnerships with Indigenous nations to deliver the program in communities. This application process is ongoing. If you are a representative of an Indigenous nation or college interested in partnering with UVic to deliver the CILR program in your area, please contact us.  

CILR Award

Continuing Studies at UVic offers the Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization (CILR) Award. The award was made possible through the generosity of anonymous donors and will contribute to ensuring the CILR program is accessible to more learners to support their educational path and the language revitalization needs of their community. Apply for CILR Award

Application dates

Starting in
September 2024 (online cohort)
 
Availability
  Accepting Applications
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  Ongoing
Starting in
Ongoing (partner communities)
 
Availability
  Accepting Applications
Apply by
  Ongoing