The First Nations Version Translation Process

The First Nations Version (FNV) is being developed through a collaborative translation process involving drafting, review, consultation, and quality control. While the process has evolved over time, the same core principles have guided the translation of the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs, and continue to guide the translation of the remaining Old Testament books.

Project Oversight

Each step of the translation process is overseen by Project Manager and lead translator Terry M. Wildman. He coordinates the project, provides review guidance, ensures quality control, recruits volunteers, promotes the work, and serves as liaison with Native churches and ministries. During the New Testament translation project, Terry also worked in partnership with OneBook, which provided organizational support, consultation, and resources that helped facilitate the translation and review process.

Initial Drafting

As lead translator, Terry Wildman prepares an initial draft verse by verse using the key terms approved by the First Nations Version Translation Council.

For the New Testament, the Greek text was the primary source language, with Hebrew source material consulted when necessary. For Psalms, Proverbs, and the Old Testament, the Hebrew text is the primary source language.

Multiple commentaries and translation resources are consulted throughout the drafting process to address difficult passages and theological questions. The United Bible Societies (UBS) Handbooks for Translators are also used extensively throughout the translation process. Prepared specifically for Bible translators, these handbooks provide verse-by-verse exegetical, historical, cultural, and linguistic insights to help translators accurately communicate the meaning of the biblical text.

Community Review and Translation Council

Drafts are divided into manageable sections and reviewed collaboratively by approved reviewers from a variety of First Nations backgrounds, including members of the First Nations Version Translation Council.
Reviewers examine the text verse by verse for readability, clarity of meaning, cultural relevance, and natural language usage. Each section is typically reviewed by multiple First Nations reviewers, with occasional input from non-Native editors.

Suggested changes are discussed collaboratively. Significant translation questions and revisions receive additional consideration from the Translation Council, which helps ensure consistency with the translation principles established for the project. The Project Manager supervises the process and makes final decisions when necessary.

Consultant Review

After reviewer feedback has been incorporated, completed sections are submitted to translation consultants for review.

For the New Testament, consultant review was conducted by Dave Ohlson, who brought more than fifty years of Bible translation experience working with indigenous cultures. For Psalms, Proverbs, and the ongoing Old Testament translation, Professor L. Daniel Hawk has provided additional consultation alongside Dave Ohlson.

The consultants carefully examine the translation and offer recommendations and questions for consideration. Their role is advisory; final translation decisions remain with the FNV leadership and review team.

Final Quality Control and Publication

Following consultant review, final checks are conducted to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to the translation principles established for the project.

Completed portions of the translation are prepared for publication following the completion of all reviews and quality-control procedures.

Our translation process reflects the collaborative efforts of First Nations reviewers, translation consultants, and project leadership working together to produce a clear, culturally relevant, and faithful presentation of the biblical message.