Urban Indigenous language revitalization · Kingston, Ontario
Knowledge sharing and storytelling — the heart of Dibajimowin.
Welcome to the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest. We are an urban language revitalization group, committed to rejuvenating Indigenous languages in the Kingston, Ontario area.
All Things Ribbon — skills and stories shared in community.
Gather with us
Upcoming events
Programs, meals, youth gatherings, and cultural activities at the Centre.
The week ahead
Tap an event for detailsLoading published events…
A community Grandmother cooking up a feast — made with lots of love
Family Wellness & Community Care
Programs for every age and stage
Our Family Wellness and Community Care programs bring together children’s and youth groups, mental health and wellness circles, early years support, an alternative path to a high school diploma, employment and training support, and shared community meals.
Dibajimowin · Digital stories
Thirty stories about culture and language, made by community members
Each personal story shares insights into the barriers to language learning and cultural connection — as well as the many ways we are resilient and relentless.
WATCHPride and Consequences
Rick tells the first Algonquin story he ever heard.
Watch the story
WATCHFringe Benefits
Deb’s buckskin jacket is a magnet for the Indigenous students in her school.
Watch the story
WATCHEagle in Lacrosse
TJ shares a story about an eagle who is excluded from playing with friends.
Watch the story
Community artwork
Aki Giminigonaa Mshkooziiwin — “The Land Gives Us Strength”
A community collaborative art project
“If you take care of the language, the language will take care of you.”
— Patricia Ningewance Nadeau
Aginjibagwesii, the goldfinch, is the spirit keeper of language. Join a weekly class, come to a workshop, or just come by the Centre — everyone who wishes to learn is welcome.
About us
Started in the grassroots, by language lovers and learners
Our vision is to champion the urban resurgence of Indigenous languages. Following the Kanyen’kehá:ka Kayanerenkó:wa (Great Law of Peace) and the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings, we aim to lift each other up through peace, strength, and a collective mind.
We support Indigenous-led community initiatives and create a space of openness and acceptance for all who wish to learn.
Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings
Love · Respect · Courage · Honesty · Wisdom · Humility · Truth
With gratitude
Miigwech to our supporters & partners
Our programs are made possible by the funders and community partners who walk alongside us.
Funding support
We thank and acknowledge funding support from the City of Kingston; the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres; the Ontario Trillium Foundation; the Canadian Institute of Health Research; the Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle; the Canadian Red Cross; the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area; the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington; and Kingston Community Credit Union.
Community partners
We thank our close community partners: Kahwá:tsire Indigenous-Led Child & Family Programs, Loving Spoonful Kingston, Walking the Path of Peace Together Hwy 15 Indigenous Food Sovereignty Garden, Queen’s University, Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na, the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Ontario Health Team, Kingston Community Health Centres, and Community Story Strategies.
