NATIONS: A globally-focused Canadian company with 100% Indigenous ownership

As translators, we know that one word or phrase can have multiple meanings. Similarly, NATIONS isn’t just a translator. We’re a Canadian-based company, we’re a globally focused team, and we’re proud to be entirely Indigenous-owned.

We’re so proud, in fact, that we named our company as a nod to our heritage and inclusive outlook. The linguistic services we offer represent all nations—from First Nations, Quebec and Acadia, to communities of all backgrounds across Canada and beyond.

Indigenous experience and expertise

NATIONS offers translations in over 100 languages, 34 of which are Indigenous. These include Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe, Algonquin), Nêhiyawêwin (Plains Cree), Mushkegowuk (Swampy Cree), Oji-Cree, Inuktitut, and Mi’gmaq, among others.

During our long history at the forefront of the Canadian translation industry, we’ve worked with many public and private sector clients to enhance their outreach to First Nations communities.

Nations Translation Group Proud Translator Of RBC’s Indigenous Partnership Report

When one of six big Canadian banks needed translation services for its marketing and communication with Indigenous clients, the bank came to us. Our team translated the contents into Inuktitut and Cree, two of the three largest Aboriginal languages in Canada. Translating these can be difficult as they vary according to regional and local dialects, but NATIONS specializes in localization services that take linguistic nuances into account to guarantee highly accurate results.

Our work didn’t just help the bank reach a wide audience of Indigenous speakers. It also amplified Indigenous voices so the bank could celebrate their business successes and help drive economic empowerment among First Nations communities.

We partnered again with RBC the following year for the Indigenous Partnership Report 2021 - this time translating it into Blackfoot and Inuktitut.

Community support

The NATIONS board of directors is composed entirely of Indigenous peoples, and that tradition is heavily reflected in the company’s core values. It’s important to our team that we go beyond mere translation and be changemakers in how we support and promote Indigenous language speakers.

We work with First Nations communities across Canada, regularly sponsoring or supporting initiatives and organizations, particularly those involving Indigenous youth. This helps create economic opportunities for deprived families, but also ensures that language is preserved from generation to generation.

There are over 70 spoken but endangered languages in Canada. When speakers lose their language, they lose their voice. And when they lose their voice, they’re at risk of becoming marginalized and isolated. NATIONS has long been an advocate for revitalizing Indigenous languages, engaging with speakers and elders to promote awareness and preservation.

We can help your business or organization join this fight for change, giving you the opportunity to reach more Indigenous audiences with your content and spread your message to groups that often go unheard and unrecognized. Contact us today to discuss your Indigenous translation needs or find out more.