Heritage Lab, a Nunavik-based Indigenous tech organization, is pioneering an innovative approach to language preservation through culturally responsive technology. By integrating artificial intelligence built locally in Nunavik, the project introduces advanced dialect support and text generation capabilities specifically designed for Inuktitut-speaking communities. Working with and training Inuit youth, Heritage Lab develops their technological skills while creating tools that incorporate Inuit design principles and education systems. The historical search tool allows students and community members to collect stories and history that can be shared on a platform that adapts to different reading levels, making Inuit knowledge and history digitally accessible. The grammar tools provide AI assistance based on specific dialects, supporting writing and language learning. During development, multiple Nunavik communities will contribute to the development and validation of dialect-specific features, ensuring the system reflects their linguistic diversity. With a modular design, the technology can expand to support other Inuktitut-speaking regions across Inuit Nunangat, honoring the unique dialects and cultural contexts of each community while fostering technological sovereignty for long-term language preservation.
