Promote and support the expansion of interpretation services that are used locally to include Mi’kmaw, Innu-aimun, and Inuktitut.

First Light’s 2026 Culture Camp builds momentum for Indigenous language revitalization

In March 2026, First Light’s annual Culture Camp focused on Indigenous languages. Beginning with the spring Gathering of Voices, Culture Camp brought together community members, storytellers, and supportive organizations for shared learning and helped build momentum for Indigenous language revitalization and related programming in St. John’s. First Light is now exploring strategies for sustainable long-term language learning in St. John’s, in collaboration with Language Carriers and rights-holding communities across the province.

First Light Health Services: Providing some interpretation services, demand exceeds resources

First Light’s Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) team provides interpretation in Innu-aimun (both Sheshatshiu and Mushuau dialects) and Inuttitut whenever team members are available. This support helps patients understand their circumstances, express their needs, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their care. However, as noted in the 2024 Reconciliation Report, team capacity is limited and demand consistently exceeds available support. Given that many patients from Labrador speak English as a second language, NL Health Services must expand its own capacity to provide timely, culturally safe interpretation throughout the healthcare system.