Utilizing Open Educational Resources (OER) for the Revitalization of Indigenous languages

Aligned with the objectives of the International Decade for Indigenous Languages (IDIL2022-2032) Global Action Plan, there is a call to leverage Open Educational Resources, as outlined in the 2019 Recommendation on OER. The aim is to integrate Indigenous Peoples' culture, history and knowledge into educational curricula.

The Consolidated Report on the Implementation by Member States of the 2019 Recommendation on OER underscores the transformative role of OER in linguistic revitalization. Notably, 71% of participating Member States reported the incorporation of OER in national languages. The report identifies various examples illustrating the impact of OER.

The Central African Republic is actively developing OER in Sanga, showcasing a commitment to linguistic diversity. Malawi stands out for distributing OER in national languages such as Chichewa, Tumbuka, Yao and Sena, ensuring wide accessibility to educational resources.

Ecuador's noteworthy efforts include the creation of OER in indigenous languages like Kichwa and Shuar, contributing to the preservation of cultural and linguistic heritage. The report also highlights initiatives in New Zealand and Norway, where OER repositories house content in Māori and Sami languages respectively.

During the recent OER Dynamic Coalition Webinar on the 1st anniversary of the launch of the International Decade for Indigenous Languages on 13 December 2023, discussions echoed the global diversity efforts and local initiatives. Empasis was placed on collaboration and community engagement.

• Colombia's Magua RED network was spotlighted by Ms. Sandra Argel Raciny, Coordinator at the Colombian Ministry of Culture. This innovative platform offers free access to stories, games, puzzles and cultural content in indigenous languages for children in the Amazon region.

• Ms Sara Fuentes Maldonado, Indigenous Fellow at WIPO, shared insights into WIPO's normative work for protecting traditional knowledge, offering capacity-building programs and collaborating with indigenous communities to balance protection and innovation.

• Norway's National Digital Learning Arena, presented by Ms Margreta Tveisme, Education Officer at the National Digital Learning Arena (NDLA), serves as a model repository for OER in Sami languages. Despite challenges, the NDLA model illustrates the potential of OER for cultural revitalization.

• Dr Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, National Librarian/CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, shed light on challenges in revitalizing indigenous languages. The National Library is addressing issues such as the lack of autography and a national action plan to raise awareness, engage communities and create a database of indigenous languages.

• Ms Rebecca Jamieson, President and CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic, discussed the challenges and achievements in indigenous education in Canada, emphasizing the need for a national strategy and OER development plan based on linguistic families for effective language revitalization.

As UNESCO continues to champion such initiatives, alongside those mentioned in the Consolidated Report on the Implementation of the 2019 Recommendation on OER by the Member States, additional efforts are crucial to create a more inclusive and empowering educational landscape for indigenous communities worldwide.