Indigenous people’s health tightly tied to speaking their own languages, review finds
A groundbreaking new research review conducted by the University of British Columbia (UBC) has shed light on the significant impact that speaking traditional Indigenous languages has on the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples. The review, which analyzed 262 academic and community-based studies from Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, found that 78 per cent of them linked Indigenous language vitality with improved health.
The studies uncovered a wide range of positive outcomes associated with speaking Indigenous languages, including better physical and mental health, increased social connections and healing, and greater educational success. For example, a 2007 study conducted in British Columbia revealed that youth suicide rates were lower in First Nations communities where a larger proportion of people spoke Indigenous languages.
Julia Schillo, a PhD student at UBC’s linguistics department and co-author of the review, emphasized the importance of language revitalization in improving personal health. She highlighted the role of reclaiming and learning Indigenous languages in fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and healing from intergenerational trauma related to the Indian residential school system.
One of the key findings of the review was the critical role of providing health care services in Indigenous languages with accurate translation. Without access to medical information in their own language, patients were at risk of being misdiagnosed, misunderstanding instructions, and feeling alienated or disrespected. For instance, Inuit children were misclassified on cognitive tests because the testing was conducted in English rather than Inuktitut.
Furthermore, the review revealed that language and well-being are intricately connected beyond direct communication. Indigenous people who engage in traditional sports, consume a traditional diet, and speak their traditional languages experience improved physical health. Schillo noted that language revitalization plays a significant role in shaping identity, fostering a sense of connection, and facilitating healing from trauma.
Chantu William, a Tsilhqot’in language speaker and second-generation residential school survivor, shared her personal experience of how learning her language supported her mental health and identity as an Indigenous person. As an early childhood educator and policy analyst in her nation, William is actively involved in developing language curriculum and resources to preserve and promote her language within her community.
Johanna Sam, also Tsilhqot’in and an assistant professor at UBC, emphasized the importance of incorporating Indigenous language revitalization into efforts to support Indigenous health. She underscored that Indigenous languages carry essential knowledge systems, stories, and laws that have sustained Indigenous nations for generations. Sam called for increased investment in Indigenous language curriculum and expanded options for health care services delivered in Indigenous languages.
In conclusion, the researchers behind the review are urging all levels of government to provide sustained funding for Indigenous language revitalization and recognize the speaking of Indigenous languages as a critical social determinant of health. By prioritizing language revitalization efforts, policymakers can contribute to improving the overall health and well-being of Indigenous communities.
