It is spoken by nearly all the Atikamekw, and therefore it is among the indigenous languages least threatened with extinction, according to some studies.

[citation needed] The Atikamekw reflex of Proto-Algonquian liquid ("L" sound) *l is [ɾ] (spelled 'r').

[citation needed] Another way in which Atikamekw is distinctive among dialects of Cree is in having many loanwords from the Anishinaabe language.

[citation needed] The consonants of Atikamekw are listed below in the standard orthography and with IPA equivalents in brackets: In Atikamekw, fortis and lenis consonants are not distinguished in writing, even though they are in speech.

But if precise spelling is required, fortis consonant realised as a geminate is indicated with an underline on the letter of concern.