International and Heritage Languages Association

We are honoured to receive recognition from the Mayor’s Office and the Premier’s Office for our Mother Language Day 2026 Publication, affirming IHLA’s role in shaping the cultural and educational fabric of our city and province.

For over 45 years, IHLA has been rooted in grassroots action, a united chain of member schools, educators, and families committed to keeping heritage language, culture, and identity alive and relevant.

The MLD 2026 Publication continues this journey, building on the momentum of our flagship event on February 21, 2026, at West Meadows Baptist Church. It showcases the voices, projects, and lived experiences of our member schools in action.

This is more than a publication; it is a living record of who we are: grounded in community, strengthened by unity, and moving forward together.

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming PD session titled “Heritage Language Acquisition: What Matters.”

We are especially pleased to welcome Evangelia (Lila) Daskalaki for this session.

We would love for you to join us for this engaging and insightful discussion.

Event Details:
Date: May 28, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: IHLA Office
9538 107 Avenue NW,
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 0T5, Canada

This session will explore key aspects of heritage language acquisition and what truly matters in supporting learners and communities.

We look forward to your participation.

Thank you.

🧡

Today is National Indigenous Languages Day!

Folks on March 31st are encouraged to learn and celebrate the rich and diverse beauty of Indigenous languages while applauding efforts to revitalize and protect these vital parts of Indigenous cultures. There are over 70 Indigenous languages currently spoken in Canada!

Treaty 6 is home to many different Indigenous languages, share how you would say hello in the comments below!

Hiy Hiy

Hello,
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming PD session, Implementing AI Responsibly in Heritage Language Programs.

We are especially pleased to welcome back Baljeet Kaur, who delivered an amazing session last year. Based on the positive feedback and requests from our members, we are thrilled to bring her back again this year.

We would love for you to join us for this engaging and insightful session!

Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM (18:30-20:30)
Location: Online

This session will explore the world of Implementing AI
We look forward to your participation.
Thank you.

We’re excited to remind you about our upcoming PD Session and would like to invite you to join us.

PD Session Details:
Date: March 26, 2026
Topic: “Language Barriers & Racism”
Speaker: H. M. Ashraf Ali, PhD, MPH
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (18:30–20:30)
Location: Online

This session will explore traditional parenting practices and cultural teachings, along with insights into language barriers and racism.

We look forward to your participation.

Thank you.

Proud to spotlight the amazing work of the Gil Vicente Portuguese School 🇵🇹

Their credit classes go beyond language! Connecting students to culture, identity, and future opportunities. A powerful example of education that truly matters.

👏 Keep leading the way!

We’re grateful to the Russian Educational Centre for joining us in celebrating Mother Language Day 2026. Your presence added depth and richness to this special occasion as always! 🙏🏻🫶🏻

Alberta ballet is offering a complimentary one week course for students. Classes fills up fast so register right away.

July 14-18 at the Alberta Ballet dance studio (11205-107ave)

Use the QR code or registration site to register.