UWinnipeg scholar co-leads UNESCO Indigenous language initiative

Press Release

June 15, 2026

Heather Souter, assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology, has been appointed co-chair of UNESCO’s Global Task Force for Department of Anthropology. With 40 per cent of the world’s 6,700 languages at risk of disappearing, the task force plays a vital role.

One of the main goals is to ensure that Indigenous languages are recognized as essential resources for education, cultural continuity, and sustainable development.

Souter, along with co-chairs Chinwe Veronica Anunobi (National Library of Nigeria), Sera Martinez (Ministry of Cultures, Colombia) and Bintou Camara (Nalou Indigenous People, Guinea) form an international collaborative leadership team guiding the initiatives for the 2026-27.

What the task force will do

They continue to establish and review parts of the roadmap to achieve the goals of International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032, centring the perspectives and priorities of Indigenous Peoples in policy development and program implementation; strengthening links between Indigenous communities, member states, civil society, and international heritage and development organizations; and advocating for policies that support mother-tongue education, community-led language revitalization, and sustainable cultural transmission.

“I view this appointment as a significant opportunity to advance Indigenous representation and community-driven approaches in language advocacy,” said Souter. “My goal is to amplify grassroots knowledge and practical experience in the efforts to safeguard and revitalize Indigenous languages worldwide.”

Language revitalization in action

This appointment follows decades of Souter’s language revitalization work. She is a reclaimer of Southern Michif, an Indigenous language of the Red River Métis. After learning Southern Michif as an adult, she has spent decades teaching it to others and developing teaching methods, resources, and programs to make Indigenous language learning accessible to all.

In addition to her work teaching Southern Michif at UWinnipeg (and previously University of Manitoba), she is co-founder of the Department of Anthropology, which supports Indigenous languages across Manitoba and beyond through mentor-apprentice programs, language documentation, development of language learning materials and digital resources, community classes, and language advocacy.

“Heather Souter is a passionate and deeply informed advocate for Indigenous languages,” said Shelley Tulloch, Coordinator of the Indigenous Languages Program. “Her appointment reflects her commitment to local, national and international collaboration toward achieving all Indigenous Peoples’ right to learn, know, and use their languages.”

Souter’s position as co-chair will last through 2027.

Media Contact
Cheryl Parisien, Communications Manager
The University of Winnipeg
media.inquiries@uwinnipeg.ca

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