This report summarizes what is known about language and literacy development of Aboriginal children under six years old living in Canada. As well, the report characterizes some of the views on this topic expressed by Aboriginal leaders, parents, Elders, and early childhood educators, as well as by speech-language pathologists who have worked with Aboriginal children in Canada. Research selected for review to inform this report did not include the availability, nature, or impacts of programs for school-aged children or adults, such as basic education, reading recovery, bilingual education, adult literacy, or Indigenous language instruction or immersion. Also, given the rapid development of speech and language in the early years as the foundation for emerging literacy, this report focuses more on speech-language development than on literacy. (author abstract)