This article by The 180, a former radio talk show on CBC one, discusses the question of learning languages as non-Indigenous Canadians. The author said, on one hand, it is important as Canadians to acknowledge and bring back languages and cultures that belong to the place we live. However, on the other hand, it is good practice to connect with local languages and find those who speak them when attempting to learn words and about Indigenous languages. This article considers different perspectives one should consider if they would like to learn Indigenous languages as a non-Indigenous Canadian, to ensure it is not an empty gesture, but a meaningful connection to the culture and place.
Timothy, I see that non-indigenous learning Indigenous languages can be a good starting point. My old daughter learned French in her school, she started with few terms, then gradually, on her own, she started to watch French media, listen to songs, read books. This has been something different than reading/watching the translated productions/content. I know that Indigenous language is different, as you hinted, it is connected to place and culture, but what I want to say it may open the door to understand more about Indigenous culture and knowledge systems.