CBC INDIGENOUS LAUNCHES ORIGINAL VOICES, A NEW ONLINE RESOURCE FOR INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES
December 2, 2019 - CBC Indigenous today launched Original Voices, an immersive and extensive exploration of Indigenous languages in Canada, providing users with a place to listen to and learn from language keepers, explore the ways people are revitalizing Indigenous languages, and highlight how these languages are being preserved.
This project was created to celebrate and honour the International Year of Indigenous Languages, a United Nations observance to raise awareness of the consequences of the endangerment of Indigenous languages across the world.
“CBC is committed to putting our audiences and communities first. We want the content we create to reflect the diverse perspectives represented by Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast, which means developing resources like Original Voices, a project that we are so proud of.” said Barbara Williams, Executive Vice President, English Services, CBC. “This is the International Year of Indigenous Languages and we want to ensure that we at CBC are doing our part to encourage Canadians to learn more about Indigenous languages and build a deeper connection to Indigenous communities.”
Produced by CBC Indigenous, the showpiece is a vibrant, interactive map showing 30 of the over 80 Indigenous languages spoken across Canada. Visitors to the site will be able to see where each language is spoken, be introduced to speakers of those languages and listen to samples of words and phrases. Also available is a series of original video and audio storytelling designed to immerse users in each language experience.
Original Voices will be the hub for all CBC Indigenous language content and include ongoing curation of new and authentic content, including the addition of more Indigenous languages in the months ahead.
Hear language. Meet speakers. See what’s being done. cbc.ca/originalvoices. Join the discussion in social spaces. #originalvoices
-30-
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic and Chinese, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
