HISTORY
Lingua Aqua — Mother Language Monument
Canada's first mother language monument, rooted in Surrey.
International Mother Language Day · Feb 21, every yearCelebrating every language.
Celebrating every language.
Connecting every community.
Language is more than words — it carries our history, identity and hopes for the future. Join MLLWS for festivals, advocacy, and community celebrations all year long.
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Hello · Bonjour · নমস্কার · Hola · 你好 · مرحبا · ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ · Olá · こんにちは · Merhaba ·
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FESTIVAL
12th Mother Language Festival, 2026
A vibrant celebration of languages, cultures, and unity — honoring 25 years of International Mother Language Day and the richness of mother languages from around the world.
Sunday, August 9, 2026 · 4:00 PM – 7:00 PMHolland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey, BC
Event DetailsWhat we run, year round
Not just one day in February — community, all year.
Mother Language Festival
Our annual outdoor festival celebrating languages, cultures, and unity — including Indigenous languages, Braille, sign languages, and minority linguistic traditions.
International Mother Language Day
Honoring February 21 each year — the day UNESCO proclaimed, and Canada now officially observes through Bill S-214.
Community Advocacy
Working with schools, libraries, municipalities, and partners across Canada to protect linguistic diversity and build inclusive education.
Hear it in your language
Hear greetings in your language
Short greetings from languages celebrated by our community. Tap anywhere for a surprise greeting.
French · Bonjour
Community voice, Member
Voices from our Communities
“Language is more than words — it carries our history, identity and hopes for the future. MLLWS gives every mother tongue a stage.”
“Volunteering at the Mother Language Festival connected me with neighbours I never would have met otherwise.”
“Seeing Indigenous languages and minority tongues celebrated side by side is what this day is all about.”
Stories from our Communities
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MILESTONE
Bill S-214 receives royal assent
Canada now officially honors February 21 as International Mother Language Day.
Read the Story →Moments from our Events
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Get Involved
However you show up, you help keep languages alive.
Volunteer
Help run booths, translate, or support youth and community programs in your language.
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