Video Series • Kari A. B. Chew, Ph.D.

Creating Online Indigenous Language Courses

Created by Kari A. B. Chew, Sara Child, Olivia Sammons, and Heather Souter

Learn about creating online Indigenous language courses through this four-part video series. The creators of this series were part of a collaborative project between the NEȾOLṈEW̱ “one mind, one people” Partnership, 7000 Languages, Hase’ Language Revitalization Society, and the Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle.

View the playlist or watch the videos below.

Introduction

Indigenous language revitalization and reclamation movements connect Indigenous Nations and organizations working to support the teaching and learning of ancestral languages. Many Indigenous language learning and teaching efforts focus on home, school, and community settings, but also important are virtual spaces. Through these short videos, we provide some information to help those who are considering creating online courses for their languages.

Consider Different Platforms

Indigenous Peoples use language learning and teaching technologies, including online courses, to support language revitalization. To create an online course, Indigenous communities typically partner with a technology provider which creates courses on a particular platform. 7000 Languages is a nonprofit that works closely with Indigenous, minority, and refugee communities to create language courses. Since the creation of this video, 7000 Languages work has published new courses. It offers 54 courses in 28 different languages and is continuing to release new courses in partnership with Indigenous Nations and organizations.

Benefits to the Community

Two examples featured in this video are the Hase’ Language Revitalization Society and Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle who each collaborated with 7000 Languages to create Kwak̓wala and Michif courses, respectively. While the courses share some similar features, they are also highly customized to meet the needs and goals of the community.

Creating and Sharing the Course

When planning or creating online Indigenous languages courses, there are considerations both large and small. Because creating an online Indigenous language course can take anywhere from several months to several years, it is essential to plan ahead! Learn what considerations to make when creating and sharing out an Indigenous language course.