First Nations Language App

British Columbia's First Peoples Heritage, Language and Culture Council has created an Apple app for the Kwak'wala language. The app is comprised of a Kwak'wala-to-English dictionary, a common phrase collection, and media-rich files that include pronunciations, images, and videos. This is an invaluable tool for those trying to learn the language, or for those wishing to build upon their current vocabulary.

The mandate of the First Peoples Council is to assist BC First Nations in their efforts to revitalize their languages, arts and cultures. During the past 19 years, the First Peoples Council has successfully distributed over $20 million to British Columbia’s Aboriginal communities for language, arts and culture projects. The Council released a report last year describing how many BC First Nations languages are nearing extinction, and technological developments such as this app for ipods and iphones can help to preserve such precious knowledge.