About this Standard
Unicode is the global standard that makes sure every character in every writing system displays the same way across devices, apps, and operating systems. Without Unicode, a syllabic character could look different or break entirely when you switch platforms.
Unicode assigns each character a unique code point so computers can recognize, store, and share it consistently. The Unicode Consortium is also the group that decides which new characters, writing system updates, and emojis are officially approved and added to the standard. For Indigenous languages, this means syllabics have a stable, universal foundation that works everywhere from keyboards to websites.
Typefaces for Syllabics
High quality typefaces that support both syllabics and Latin characters can be difficult to find. Many commercial fonts do not include full Unicode coverage for Indigenous writing systems, and some use inconsistent or outdated glyph shapes. For professional projects, educators, developers, and designers often need typefaces that handle multilingual text smoothly, render consistently across platforms, and follow current standards for Canadian syllabics.
Two reliable options are available through Google Fonts.
Why Open Licensing Matters
Both of these typefaces are offered under open licenses. This is a major advantage for anyone creating public-facing materials. Open licensing allows communities, educators, designers, developers, and institutions to use the fonts freely in websites, apps, print resources, and learning tools without any fees or restrictions on redistribution. The open license also supports long term sustainability, since the fonts remain accessible and can be included directly in community-owned projects.
Their article on Canadian syllabics in type design offers helpful background for understanding how shapes are standardized, how Unicode influences rendering, and how designers can support Indigenous languages in modern type families.
Read Google's Guide to SyllabicsCharacter Map
Click a syllabic to add it to your copy bucket.
Source: The Unicode Standard, Version 17.0.