Our story
Neighbours who wanted every mother tongue spoken proudly — grown into a movement that helped bring International Mother Language Day to the world, and to Canada.
We are a non-profit organization bringing together people of various linguistic and cultural origins to celebrate their heritage and enrich multiculturalism and intercultural harmony. We promote International Mother Language Day (February 21) to build national and community-level capacity for inclusive education and multilingualism as envisioned by UNESCO.
To love, observe and conserve all mother languages of the world, the pioneer late Mr. Rafiqul Islam (1950–2013) proposed that February 21 be International Mother Language Day — the day Bangalee people sacrificed their lives for their mother language during the 1952 Language Movement. In 1999, with the help of Bangladesh and 29 countries including Canada, UNESCO proclaimed the day. Since 2000 it has been celebrated globally.
Today MLLWS is a volunteer-run society in Surrey / Vancouver, BC, powered by members, chapters, school and library partners, and one simple belief: every language deserves to be celebrated, not just preserved.
Milestones
What we Believe
Every language matters
Widely spoken or nearly gone — every mother tongue deserves the same stage, including Indigenous languages, Braille, and sign languages.
Community over ceremony
We are powered by volunteers, partners, and neighbours who show up to celebrate linguistic diversity together.
Advocacy that lasts
From UNESCO recognition to Canada's Bill S-214, we work for lasting public recognition of mother languages.
Volunteer Board
Learn More
Read our constitution, recommendation letters, or get in touch.