About us
Rooted in language, guided by community
The Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest is a local Friendship Centre and a member of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. We are guided by Indigenous volunteers and a diverse team of staff, with a practice rooted in traditions and worldviews that span generations.
Our story
Born from a grassroots language nest
The KNCLN was originally born from the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest (KILN), a grassroots movement of local Indigenous language lovers and learners. Their vision was to champion the urban resurgence of Indigenous languages by following the Kanyen’kehá:ka Kayanerenkó:wa (Great Law of Peace) and the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Anishinaabe — lifting each other up through peace, strength, and a collective mind.
That vision and work has been fundamental in Kingston and area. The KNCLN continues, using a community-driven approach to celebrate Indigenous languages and to build capacity and opportunities for language learners.
Today we continue to act on the vision of the Language Nest — supporting other Indigenous-led community initiatives and creating a space of openness, care, and acceptance for all who wish to learn, connect, and share.
Land acknowledgment
The lands and waters that hold us
What is now known as the city of Kingston has long been the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat. Long before first contact and to this day, Indigenous Peoples have acted on their commitments to care for and offer stewardship in relationships they carry with the surrounding land, water, and all of our relations.
The people
Meet the team behind the Centre
Our staff bring language, culture, care, education, and community experience to the work every day.
