Language Resources
Why Our Languages Matter in Health Care
Ontario is a place rich in language, knowledge, and tradition. Anishinaabemowin Ojibwe, Oji-Cree, Cree, Delaware, Odawa, Mohawk, Cayuga, Oneida, Inuktitut, Michif: the languages spoken on these lands over time immemorial carry the spirit of who we are. They hold the teachings of our ancestors and connect us to each other, to the land, and to our ways of healing.
When it comes to health care, being able to understand medical information in our own languages isn’t just helpful - it’s life-changing.
Practically, it means our Elders can better understand their care, our families can talk about health in ways that feel natural, and we can make informed decisions with confidence. Whether it’s learning about a new medication, understanding how to manage a chronic illness, or navigating the healthcare system, having that information in our own language breaks down barriers and connects knowledge to heart level practical understanding, guiding steps to action. It helps us take care of ourselves, our children, and our communities.
Culturally, using our languages in health care is a step toward healing. For too long, Indigenous voices have been pushed aside in these systems. But when our languages are present - in the clinic, at the pharmacy, in public health messages - it shows that our knowledge and our ways of being are not only respected, but vital to wellness. It’s a reminder that we belong in these spaces, and that our health journeys can and should reflect who we are.
In Ontario, many of our communities are already leading this work - translating materials, training language speakers in health settings, and pushing for systems to do better. This is more than translation - it’s reclamation. It’s making sure the next generations grow up hearing their language spoken not just at home, but in places where it matters most.
Our languages are medicine. They ground us, guide us, and bring us strength.
When they’re part of our health care, we all benefit — mind, body, and spirit.
Multi-lingual resources are now available at CATIE.ca. Language speakers have given us the gift of orally recording their words.
Accompanying their voices is text written side by side in Indigenous languages and English.
At present, oral and written teachings are available in Inuktitut (South Baffin dialect) and Northern Michif; additional languages added coming!
You are invited to access these words and recordings below.
CATIE’s new website offers essential information about HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis in languages commonly spoken by Indigenous People. The website was developed with guidance from Indigenous language experts and offers clear, up-to-date information on these health conditions, including how they are transmitted, testing and treatment options, as well as where to find services. Some communities in Canada face systemic inequities, such as language accessibility, that create unique barriers to healthcare. Discover this resource and share it with your clients and communities you work with to help improve access to health information. Visit [multilingual.catie.ca]multilingual.catie.ca to learn more!
Acknowledgement
Developing and recording Indigenous language translation is a powerful gift to the community. We are grateful to the Indigenous Advisory Committee who worked with CATIE to create this resource for public access. We thank them for their invaluable input and expertise in envisioning and designing resources for hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. The advisory committee included the following members:
Frequently asked questions
What services do you offer?
We offer print resources, connection to community initiatives, education, liver health assessments, hepatitis c treatment, community education programs, access to testing, and liver wellness workshops.
How can I get involved in community initiatives?
You can connect with the Circle for Liver Wellness and become a member. We can work with you to connect with events that are already happening or develop new initiatives.
What makes your approach unique?
Our unique approach is rooted in Indigenous leadership, community engagement, and alignment with the Ontario Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap.