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Indigenous Language Translation Services

Wintranslation is one of the few professional companies providing translation services into Indigenous languages in Canada. We understand the profound cultural and historical significance of these languages and are committed to ensuring they thrive in the modern world.

Languages & Dialects That We Translate

Our team of expert linguists and translators is deeply passionate about Indigenous languages, and dedicated to their preservation and revitalization. With years of experience in Indigenous language translation, we bring a unique blend of linguistic expertise and cultural sensitivity to every project. 

Thanks to our strong relationships, deep respect, and ongoing collaboration with Indigenous language knowledge keepers and elders, we are proud to provide translation services for 40 out of the 60+ Indigenous languages spoken in Canada.

Click on the link below to learn more..

Get a FREE Indigenous language translation quote

Looking for a language not included in the list? Contact us using our online form or call 613-686-1278

Our Indigenous Language Translation Services include :

  • Document Translation
  • Dialect consultation
  • Cultural review
  • Audio Video Translation
  • e-Learning Translation
  • Interpreting
  • Plain text translation
  • Brochure Translation

Indigenous Language Translation Considerations

Many Indigenous languages are rare and vulnerable, with a significant number classified as endangered or critically endangered. Translating into these languages requires a specialized approach distinct from more commonly spoken languages. Our team has the necessary experience and expertise to navigate these unique challenges. Here are some key considerations:

  • Limited Availability of Translators: For many Indigenous languages, the number of working translators is limited (our translators are just like gems; rare and precious), which means they are in high demand!
  • Language Experts First: Indigenous translators are, for the most part, not full-time translators but first and foremost they are masters of the language, and often teachers or community leaders.
  • Oral Traditions: Indigenous languages have a rich history of being primarily oral. This has led to substantial linguistic variation, influenced by geographical location, generational differences, and even individual speakers.
  • Cultural Respect: Revision practices in Indigenous translation may differ due to cultural norms. Quality control is approached with sensitivity, as small communities highly value interpersonal relationships.
  • Live languages: Usually, translators recreate, borrow, adapt terms to express some concepts and this could be subjective but still faithful to the source text.

Why Choose Us?

  • Free dialect consultation: Are you unsure about which dialect is best suited for your project? At wintranslation, we provide a complimentary dialect consultation to assist you in making an informed decision.
  • Commitment to cultural sensitivity and accuracy: Our dedication to cultural sensitivity is at the core of our translation process. We actively engage in direct collaboration with Indigenous language keepers to ensure that our translations are not only linguistically accurate but also culturally authentic.
  • Tailored solutions to meet your specific needs: Whether it’s a complex multi-language project or a niche translation need, we have the expertise and resources to deliver results that exceed your expectations.
  • Consistency and Quality Assurance: We employ cutting-edge translation technologies to ensure terminological consistency. Our rigorous quality control process guarantees quality, consistency, and well-formatted translated documents.

Interested in learning about the Indigenous languages of Canada? Check out this infographic:

Indigenous languages in Canada


Many thanks to Lauren Polchies, a Wolastogiyik graphic designer from Woodstock First Nation for working with us to create an infographic about the Indigenous Languages in Canada.

Click on the image above to view the full image.

Our Indigenous Language Translation Process:

1. Quote Request

Provide us with details of your translation request.

2. Dialect Consultation

The project manager will work with the client and Indigenous language keepers to help select the best option for your project.

3. Pricing

The project manager will get back to you with a cost and turnaround estimate. The project will start once the estimate is approved.

4. Translation

The selected translator will translate and proofread the document.

5. Quality Assurance

Formatting and a final round of proofreading are conducted.

6. Delivery

The final translated content is delivered to the client in the agreed-upon format.

Get a FREE Indigenous language translation quote

Call +1 (613) 686-1278 for more information or request a free translation quote.

Our Indigenous Language Translation Clients

“Our working relationship with Wintranslation works very well for us. They can translate our training material and other documents in Inuktitut and in Inuinnaqtun quickly. Wintranslation translated large projects for us, and they delivered the material to us on time. That is important. ”

 

Rachel Lamothe,  Executive Director
Nunavut Municipal Training Organization

We (The Indigenous Theatre at the National Arts Centre) required short translations in a variety of dialects: Algonquin, Michif, Plains Cree, Woods Cree and Halq’eméylem. Wintranslation helped us find the best match from their available translators and overall had all of the dialects we needed. They were competent, friendly, and helped us meet our tight deadlines efficiently.

Amy Ede
Indigenous Theatre at the National Arts Centre

We contacted wintranslation to have one of our assessment documents translated into Eastern Ojibwe. The communication was easy and the translation was delivered with attention to detail and care. The very next time, when we required translation of another document into Dënesųłiné (Chipewyan), nēhiyawēwin (Plains Cree), Néhinaw (Swampy Cree) and Nīhithawīwin (Woods Cree) we contacted wintranslation and really appreciated the one-stop convenience and their capabilities in Indigenous languages we requested.

Danielle Durepos
The Learning Bar
red cross
mto
translation bureau
nunavut wildlife management board
Parks canada
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