This paper uses data from 2001 and previous to present trends in Aboriginal Language use in Canada, namely, an overall drop in conversational ability, a decline in mother tongue population, and a rise in second language acquisition for Aboriginal languages. Additional findings (again, representing Canada but not necessarily smaller populations) include the fact that second language speakers are often younger community members rather than mother tongue population speakers.

For 2001, Norris lists the “North Slave (Hare)” total population as 1,030, with 165 second language speakers. For all speakers under the age of 25, 27% were Dene as a second language speakers – a proportion higher than that of any other age group. Norris identifies a few language groups which are growing due to second language acquisition, such as some Salish languages. While speakers may still be learning North Slavey, Norris labels the language definitively endangered. One sign of endangered language status, according to Norris, is a young population with a growing proportion of second language speakers over mother tongue speakers.

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Norris, Mary Jane. “Aboriginal languages in Canada: Emerging trends and perspectives on second language acquisition.”Aboriginal languages in Canada: Emerging trends and perspectives on second language acquisition.” Canadian Social Trends. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 11-008 (2007): 19-28.