Since 1985, the Saskatchewan Organization for Heritage Languages (SOHL) has been working with teachers, volunteers, students and communities to promote the preservation, development and advancement of heritage languages.

The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors. SOHL was designated a provincial cultural organization in August, 1987. This enabled it to receive funding for SaskLotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture, and Recreation.

Today, SOHL continues to receives its major funding from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund. It also receives grants through from Saskatchewan Education, SaskCulture's Multicultural Initiatives Fund, and Canadian Heritage.

Throughout the years, SOHL has been involved in many projects and programs, but the focus has always been on language education. One of the SOHL's greatest accomplishments was the bringing together language educators from across the country to the 1994 national conference entitled "Speak Up, Speak Out!". It focused on the job and economic opportunities created by languages and on the importance of languages in the international marketplace.

1995 SOHL spearheaded the Canadian Languages Network Project. This national project run from 1995-2000 and promoted to the use of internet technology and information in the teaching of languages.

In 1996/97, SOHL introduced a new project - the Mini Language Learning Lessons Program, into the public and separate school systems. Heritage language teachers introduced student to the culture and language of various countries in the world. The project was initiated in Saskatoon and Regina. In 2007, it included 8 communities in Saskatchewan.

SOHL is always looking to improve itself and its programs. Regular planning events such as the 1999 Future Search Conference help us by giving us the opportunity to review past accomplishments and create a vision for the future.

In 2001, SOHL widely distributed a brochure on the benefits of learning a heritage language in order to take a more proactive role in educating the public. A calendar, also promoting heritage languages, was produced for the 2002 year.

In 2002, SOHL initiated a fundraising dinner to be held annually in conjunction with our annual conference. This dinner has helped to highlight the achievements of SOHL to the general public. This event is also the venue of our new Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony.

Two new programs were undertaken by SOHL in 2003. A funding program for immersion camps was implemented and a community radio program "SOHL Connection" which focuses on the diversity of culture in Regina was started.

In 2004, SOHL celebrated Heritage Languages Recognition Day with a Choral Festival. Due to the success of this program it has been continuing in both Regina and Saskatoon on an annual basis.

For Saskatchewan's Centennial in 2005, SOHL researched and produced a booklet on Heritage Language Schools in Saskatchewan.

In 2007, SOHL implemented a bursary program for Heritage Language students that will be assisting as teacher aides in their classrooms.