Canadian Startup Unveils AI to Translate Indigenous Languages

A tech company based in Vancouver has developed a powerful AI tool designed to preserve and translate Indigenous languages, fostering cultural preservation and accessibility.

2025-06-11 15:01

By By Janice Valencia, True North Journal

A Vancouver-based startup is breaking new ground in the field of language preservation by developing an artificial intelligence tool that can translate Indigenous languages into English and French. The project, which has been in development for over two years, aims to support communities in maintaining and revitalizing their linguistic heritage through accessible technology.

The initiative is led by a team of linguists and software engineers, many of whom have collaborated directly with Indigenous elders and language keepers. “We’re not just building software; we’re creating a bridge between generations,” said project lead Maya King, whose grandmother spoke Nêhiyawêwin (Cree). “It’s about giving younger people a way to engage with their roots through everyday technology.”

So far, the AI tool can handle sentence-level translations for more than a dozen languages, including Inuktitut, Ojibwe, and Mi'kmaq. Using machine learning algorithms trained on audio recordings, dictionaries, and cultural texts, the system continues to evolve with each update. Community input remains central to its development.

Organizations such as the First Nations Technology Council have endorsed the project, praising its community-driven approach. “Too often, tech solutions are developed outside our context,” said council spokesperson Thomas White. “This one is different—it’s built with us, not just for us.”

The startup is currently piloting the tool in several schools across British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. Teachers report that it helps spark curiosity among students while supporting curriculum goals. “When kids see their own language on a screen, something changes,” said educator Elsie Cardinal. “It gives them pride and a sense of ownership.”

With growing interest from Indigenous communities and potential applications in public services, healthcare, and education, the company plans to expand its language library in the coming year. They are also working on a mobile app version to increase accessibility across remote regions.