It is estimated that there are less than 100 fluent speakers of the Wolastoqey language and most of them are over 65 years old. UNESCO classifies the Wolastoqey language as severely endangered. The Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation has created The Wolastoqey Language Fund to support the revitalization of the language.

The Wolastoqiyik, the people of the beautiful and bountiful river — or the Wolastoq, are part of the Wabanaki Confederacy. This is the alliance of the five principal Eastern Algonquian Nations: the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomahkati, Penobscot, and Abenaki. Despite colonial authorities naming the river the St. John River, and the current provincial government refusing to change its name to the Wolastoq, this river has been and still is a vital source of food and medicine, as well as connecting the Wolastoqiyik communities along its banks. Wolastokuk — the territory of the Wolastoqiyik — runs along this river and extends into Québec (Canada) and Maine (US). The Wolastoqey language is an essential part of the Wolastoqiyik and is part of the Algonquian language family.

The Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation created the Wolastoqey Land Fund to contribute directly to initiatives and programs that support Wolastoqey language development like Kehkimin, the first Wolastoqey immersion and land-based school. Such initiatives help to preserve the language and culture of the Wolastoqey People and ensure that all Wolastoqey children have access to quality education rooted in their language.

There is only a short window of time to involve fluent speakers in the revitalization of the Wolastoqey language. Any support you can offer is appreciated.