This paper offers a general review of literature relating to the maintenance, development, and enhancement of Aboriginal languages in North America, particularly Canada. Drawing primarily on sociolinguistics, several concepts about language usage and change are outlined that are useful for the purposes of thinking about language maintenance. Next, the current status of Aboriginal languages in Canada is considered through census figures and other broad data, national surveys of factors that influence language change and maintenance, scales of language vitality, and comparisons with recent immigrant language groups in North America. Finally, sources are examined that outline strategies for Aboriginal language maintenance. These include sources covering language values and support for endangered languages, general guidance on language retention and renewal, general policies and program provisions in schools, descriptions of specific bilingual and native language programs, teachers and their training, research and evaluation, development of instructional materials, literacy in Aboriginal languages, orthography development, Aboriginal language development in family and community settings, and Aboriginal language maintenance in other countries. Contains 80 references. (SV)