Culture is the foundation of individual and collective identity, and is expressed and maintained through language. The erosion of culture and language can adversely affect mental health and well-being. This fact sheet reviews disruptions to, and current trends, in language use and cultural practices for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, provides an overview of how language and culture influence Indigenous perceptions of health and illness, and highlight some promising initiatives in revitalizing their languages and cultures.
