Actions and Commitments:
Exploring Theme: "Govt. Commitments to Indigenous Languages"
Updates on this page: 55
October 1, 2024
Nunavut gov’t to rename 15 place names containing Indigenous slurs
Work to officially change derogatory names a ‘priority’ in 2025 WARNING: This article discusses an offensive slur. The word is included once for context, then otherwise avoided. CBC Indigenous: Years after a push to rename a cluster of islands named with a racial slur in Nunavut, the territorial government says it’s working on it. The Old...
August 26, 2024
GNWT and Canada sign $17.7 million three-year agreement for Indigenous languages
NationTalk: YELLOWKNIFE – The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories have signed a new Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages from 2024-25 to 2026-27. Under the new agreement, $5.9 million will be invested per fiscal year, for a total of $17.7 million over three years. The funding is provided to Indigenous...
June 11, 2024
We were punished for speaking our languages and banned from using them in the legislature. My speech turned a page
I spoke for all of the First Nations children, who were stolen away from their lands, their families and communities, from everything they knew. By Sol Mamakwa Contributor Toronto Star: May 28 was a historic day in Ontario. I finally spoke in my language, in Queen’s Park, which has been heard on this land for tens of thousands...
June 2, 2024
Mi’kmaw-language signs celebrate Indigenous history of 2 P.E.I. locations
L’nuey executive director says her ancestors would be proud CBC Indigenous: There are two new highway signs written in the Mi’kmaw language on Prince Edward Island, bringing the province’s total to over 40. One of the signs was installed at Portage Lake, and includes its traditional name of Meski’k pu’ta’sk. The other is in Rocky Point,...
April 24, 2024
Six Nations works with National Research Council to digitize languages
APTN News: Brian Maracle says he got a surprise phone call one from the National Research Council, or NRC as it’s commonly called. “They called us out of the blue one day to ask if there was something that they could do that would be of help to us that would be in the field...
April 19, 2024
Federal funding for Indigenous culture, language programs must be sustainable, say advocates
This week’s federal budget incudes $290M for Indigenous-led programs NationTalk: Belinda kakiyosēw Daniels says it’s good to be home. The University of Victoria Indigenous education professor was back on Treaty 6 territory in Saskatchewan this week. Daniels and others launched a mentorship program in her home community, Sturgeon Lake First Nation, located approximately 150 kilometres north of Saskatoon. Speakers of the...
March 27, 2024
Ontario MPPs can now speak their own Indigenous languages at Queen’s Park
Kiiwetinoong MPP recalls being punished for speaking Anishinaabemowin in residential school CBC Indigenous: For the first time in the Ontario Legislature’s history, MPPs can now speak Indigenous languages at Queen’s Park. While members were previously allowed to speak one of Canada’s two official languages – English or French – an amendment passed Tuesday morning allows them...
February 26, 2024
Government of Canada supports the revitalization of the Kaska language in the Liard First Nation
NationTalk: The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages and cultures. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced a $1.8-million investment over five years to support the...
February 1, 2024
Everyone has a role in strengthening Indigenous languages this month
NationTalk: February is Indigenous Languages Month in the Northwest Territories. Indigenous languages are the foundation of the territory’s identity, pride, and community. This month, help support Indigenous language revitalization and ask everyone to “say it in our languages” to encourage them to speak Indigenous languages with pride. The loss of Indigenous languages is an ongoing...
November 22, 2023
Significance of saving endangered language isn’t lost on Kaska’s last speakers
APTN News: Emeral Pope’s life mission is to live her language. Pope is one of five students enrolled in a new full-time Kaska language program, Gūzā́gī ts’į̄́ʼ Netsédzedī́yaʼ, We are Waking up to Our Language. Its goal is ambitious: teach young learners the language so they can eventually pass it down themselves. “There’s so much need in...
November 16, 2023
Province reveals replacements for 2 N.B. place names containing racial slur
Community to be renamed Evergreen, and mountain to be named Meto’mqwijuig Mountain CBC Indigenous: Two northern New Brunswick places whose names included a racial slur will have new names starting in January, the province announced Thursday. At least seven communities or geographical features across the province bear names that include a racist and misogynistic term used against...
November 4, 2023
Plan for Yukon First Nations language education hopes to spark students’ striving for fluency
We Are Our Language plan was recently completed NationTalk: Yukon News: It’s about keeping an eye on the opportunities, not just the challenges for those hoping to inspire learners of Yukon First Nations languages. The revival of the languages was a key objective associated with the creation of the Yukon First Nation School Board in...
June 22, 2023
Students in northern B.C. could learn Dakelh as early as the next school year as B.C. approves curriculum
Spoken by 625 people in Canada, Dakelh is considered an endangered language CBC News: Posted: Jun 21, 2023 11:27 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 22 Students across British Columbia will soon have the opportunity to learn the Dakelh language as part of their studies as early as the next academic year. On Monday, officials from...
June 17, 2023
Efforts to save Wolastoqey language to get a boost from new language platform
Madawaska, Quebec First Nations working with team from Université de Moncton in Edmundston CBC News: A new online program called Wiciw — meaning “together with” — is being designed to help keep the Wolastoqey language from disappearing. The Maliseet First Nation of Madawaska in Edmundston and the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation in Cacouna, Que., are working with a research team from the Université de Moncton campus...
May 18, 2023
Quebec wants to exempt some Indigenous students from new French language law
First Nations groups filed court challenge against Law 14, also known as Bill 96, last month The Quebec government wants to create an exception in its newest French language law for Indigenous students. Less than a month after two First Nations groups filed a court challenge against Law 14, also known as Bill 96, the minister of the...
May 9, 2023
New program launched to help teach Inuttitut
NationTalk: The Nunatsiavut Government’s Department of Language, Culture and Tourism has just launched a new program to help teach Inuttitut. Tusâlanga is a project aimed to assist Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement on how to speak and read the Labrador Inuit dialect. The department has partnered with Pirurvik, an Inuit organization based...
March 31, 2023
Joint Statement by Ministers Rodriguez, Miller, Hajdu, Vandal on the National Indigenous Languages Day
NationTalk: Canadian Heritage – This statement is also available in the following languages: Innu-aimun Mi’kmaq Oji-Cree (translation will follow) Plains Cree (translation will follow) Western Ojibway Dene Inuktitut (North Baffin) Michif Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage; Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; and Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan...
March 5, 2023
Kindergarten Mi’kmaw immersion program aims to keep the language strong in Listuguj, Que.
Forest Kindergarten program brings kids outdoors, with language revitalization at the forefront CBC News: On a warm, clear day in February, Brenda Germain picks up a large hand drill and asks her students to gather around. Drill in hand, she shows the children how to cut through the thick ice covering Chaleur Bay, on Quebec’s Gaspé...
February 21, 2023
B.C. First Nations Languages Report Shows Increase in Language Learners, Needs Long-term Support
NationTalk: W̱JOȽEȽP, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF W̱SÁNEĆ NATION / BRENTWOOD BAY, B.C. – A comprehensive survey of B.C. First Nations languages reveals that investments in language revitalization are working, resulting in more B.C. First Nations people engaged in learning their language than was previously reported. Now in its fourth edition, the First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s (FPCC’s)...
August 24, 2022
Preserving and Promoting Dakota Language Through High School Curriculum
Government of Saskatchewan: The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the addition of the Dakota language to the growing list of secondary level Indigenous language curricula available in Saskatchewan. The Dakota 10, 20, 30 curriculum will join the other provincial secondary level Indigenous languages curricula already available, including Nēhiyawēwin 10, 20, 30; Dene 10, 20, 30; Nakawe 10, 20,...
July 26, 2022
Federal Government invests $11.1M over two years to support Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan
Canadian Heritage: SASKATOON – Today, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez, announced $11.1 million in funding, over two years (2021–22 to 2022–23) to support the efforts of Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations in Saskatchewan to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages. This funding will increase the number of community-driven activities dedicated to keeping...
July 26, 2022
What We Heard Report released on proposed amendments to the Northwest Territories Official Languages Act.
NationTalk: The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released its What We Heard Report on proposed amendments to the Northwest Territories Official Languages Act. The department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) invited Indigenous Governments, Francophone organizations, Language Board representatives and the public to provide their feedback on the proposed amendments. These amendments seek...
July 18, 2022
Government of Canada invests $17.7M over 3 years through Canada–Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages
Today, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez, announced the Government of Canada’s investment of $17,700,000 over three years (2021–22 to 2023–24) through the Canada–Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages. The Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories recognize the importance of Canada’s sustained support for the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain...
December 9, 2021
“What We Heard Report: Education Act Modernization”
The Discussion Paper “What We Heard Report: Education Act Modernization” identified three current challenges and considerations related to the effective development and implementation of language and culture programs in schools. These challenges helped to frame the engagement sessions and the questions asked in surveys. Legislative: A lack of regulatory guidance to follow in establishing and...
November 22, 2021
New Official Language Commissioner
New Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor – says protecting Indigenous languages to make sure they are taught to future generations is a priority for the Liberal government, alongside promoting French throughout Canada. She said although Indigenous languages are not recognized as “official” like English and French, she will work with other ministers to make...
October 29, 2021
Legislation to make Mi’kmaq first language
Government of Nova Scotia – Mi’kmaq is Nova Scotia’s first language and legislation next spring will help preserve, revitalize and promote it. The government will start working immediately with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, the collective voice for Mi’kmaq education, and other Mi’kmaq organizations and communities to develop legislation to support this effort....
July 13, 2021
Indigenous Language Cultures Program
Ku’Ku’Kwes News – Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey will be in charge of administering $513,492 in funds for various programs and projects under the federal Indigenous Language Cultures Program to revive and preserve the Mi’kmaw language in the province. The federal funds will go towards supporting multiple projects with First Nation schools, communities and organizations in Nova Scotia. Some...
June 29, 2021
Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting funding
Under the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component of the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program, $1.9 million will be directed to the Inuvialuit Communications Society, Native Communications Society of the N.W.T. and Norman Wells Land Corporation. Funding is being allocated over two years, providing operational stability for the production and broadcasting of culturally relevant radio and television...
March 2, 2021
Nunatsiavut Government preserving, promoting and enhancing Labrador Inuttitut
The Nunatsiavut Government has approved a five-year strategy aimed at preserving, promoting and enhancing Labrador Inuttitut. The 2021-2026 Nunatsiavut Language Strategy sets forth the vision, mission and values that will provide a framework for prioritizing projects and necessary investments into language initiatives that align with years of work and input gathered from the Nunatsiavut Government...
January 21, 2021
‘Paykiiwikay’, new online series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language
Podcast, a new online series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. ‘Paykiiwikay’, will address the very real need to preserve heritage, tradition and Métis identity. “Everything Métis people do is tied to our value systems, beliefs, and respect,” said MN-S Minister of Language, Culture & Heritage, Sherry McLennan, “this podcast series will help...
January 22, 2020
The Future of Michif Program
The Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) announced “The Future of Michif Program“, a multi-faceted educational initiative designed to get more Métis speaking their traditional language. The MN-S is partnering with Canadian Geographic on “The Future of Michif Program“, a multiplatform engagement program that will celebrate Michif and Métis culture, while building national capacity to educate...
September 9, 2019
Collaboration to reach agreement to support Inuktut in Nunavut
The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated are collaborating toward an agreement that will support, revitalize and strengthen Inuktut in Nunavut. In accordance with section 9 of the Indigenous Languages Act, the pathfinder agreement seeks to support: increasing access to Inuktut-language instruction in Nunavut; increasing and maintaining the number of...
June 21, 2019
Indigenous Languages Act receives Royal Assent
Bill C-91, An Act respecting Indigenous languages (short title: Indigenous Languages Act), was introduced in the House of Commons on 5 February 2019 by the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. Bill C-91 enacts the Indigenous Languages Act, which recognizes Indigenous language rights as Aboriginal rights protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The bill enables the...
April 16, 2019
Dene, Nakawe and Michif Language courses
Ministry of Education announced courses at the 10, 20 and 30 level in Dene, Nakawe and Michif starting next year. High school courses in Cree (nehiwawewin) are already offered. (Prince Albert Daily Herald)...
April 3, 2019
Aboriginal Cultures and Languages Initiative
Launch of the Aboriginal Cultures and Languages Initiative ...
March 13, 2019
Review of Official Languages law
The law governing official languages in the Northwest Territories is ill-suited for the territory and ready for an overhaul during its upcoming review, the territory’s languages commissioner says. “We’re at that point,” said Shannon Gullberg, the languages commissioner. “We’ve been operating under a model that really mimics the federal model for a long time. “The federal legislation...
February 5, 2019
Bill C-91 introduced in Parliament
“Bill C-91: An Act Respecting Indigenous Languages” (The Indigenous Languages Act) introduced in Parliament....
January 23, 2019
Indigenous Languages Resource Centre
The Alberta government is investing $1 million into Calgary’s first ever Indigenous Languages Resource Centre at the Calgary Central Library. The funding will support the acquisition of language resources, as well as programming that preserves Indigenous culture and heritage....
November 30, 2018
Inuktuuriaqarniq Namminiqaqtinut (Private Sector Inuktut Support Program)
The Department of Culture and Heritage Through Inuktuuriaqarniq Namminiqaqtinut (Private Sector Inuktut Support Program), grants of up to $5,000 can be used towards translations of marketing materials, Inuktut advertisement or to cover the costs of language training for staff in customer service. This Policy is based on the following principles: The protection, promotion and enhancement...
November 29, 2018
The Use of Indigenous Languages in House of Commons and Committees
Official release of the 66th Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, entitled “The Use of Indigenous Languages in Proceedings of the House of Commons and Committees.” The report recommends that the use of Indigenous languages be recognized in the House of Commons and specifies a process for facilitating such interventions....
November 15, 2018
The Indigenous Languages in Education grant program
The Indigenous Languages in Education grant program invests $6 million to increase Indigenous language teacher capacity and expand resource development for early childhood education, as well as kindergarten to Grade 12 Indigenous languages. The grant program will provide funding through two streams. The instructor development stream will provide $4 million in funding over two years...
August 2, 2018
First Nations Languages Report shows increase in language learners, urges action
B.C. First Nations Languages Report Shows Increase in Language Learners, Urges Action. The report gathered information from more than 137,653 First Nations people in B.C. Across the province, 34 unique First Nations languages and 93 dialects are spoken, more than any other province or territory in Canada. In 2018, only three per cent (3%) of Indigenous people in...
July 9, 2018
Microsoft Inuktut language software support
In Nunavut, 65 percent of the population identify Inuktut as their mother tongue. This means that Nunavut is the only jurisdiction in Canada with a homogeneous public majority language that is not one of the two official languages of Canada — French and English. Nunavut is the only jurisdiction in the Americas where the public majority speak...
July 6, 2018
Inuktut as official language in Inuit Nunangat
Federal legislation should recognize Inuktut as official language in Inuit Nunangat: Inuit Tapariit Kanatami. As Indigenous leadership move into their final consultations over the summer, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is pushing for Ottawa to ensure Inuktut is treated as culturally and politically distinct. The main points the working group has asked to see in the federal legislation:...
April 27, 2018
Aboriginal Languages Initiative
Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) has distributed approximately $1.5M to Southern Alberta to support various initiatives. This includes: Almost $200,000 for the Tsuut’ina Nation’s Tsuut’ina Gunaha School Language Incorporation Strategy approximately $141,000 for Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society’s Blackfoot Language Keepers, $358,000 for Peigan Board of Education Society’s Piikani Language Revitalization Project, $80,000 for the Aboriginal Friendship...
March 26, 2018
Initiative to speak Indigenous languages in House of Commons
Toronto Star – Romeo Saganash, a New Democrat who represents a northern Quebec riding, addressed the Commons Procedure and Affairs Committee last week in his native Cree, and urged the House to make it possible for him and others to speak Indigenous languages and have them translated into English and French.This would be an important...
February 27, 2018
Funding for Indigenous languages
BC Government has committed $50M in funding toward preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages throughout the province. Finance Minister Carole James pointed out that Indigenous languages in the province are under threat, emphasizing that B.C. is home to 60 per cent of First Nations languages in the country....
September 6, 2017
B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering
The B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering made it a priority to provide support to Indigenous communities seeking to revitalize connections to their languages. The revitalization of language is a human right as asserted within the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Programs and projects that will turn new speakers into fluent...
March 10, 2017
Native Education Act delays target for education in Inuit K-9 instruction
Nunavut Education Act to reset target for bilingual education including instruction in Inuit from K-9 by 2020 alongside English and/or French and High School at a later date due to shortage of teachers who can teach in the Inuit language. Challenged by educators in Nunavut who recommend increased funding from the federal govt. to expedite...
April 21, 2016
Bill C-262, An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples tabled in Parliament
Romeo Saganash, MP, tabled Bill C-262, An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This bill would require the Government of Canada to take initiatives with regard to the use of Aboriginal languages in the public domain, education and the media. The...
December 9, 2015
Bill S-212, “An Act for the advancement of the aboriginal languages of Canada and to recognize and respect aboriginal language rights” introduced in Parliament
Senator Serge Joyal tabled Bill S-212, An Act for the advancement of the aboriginal languages of Canada and to recognize and respect aboriginal language rights. The bill is intended to set out the Government of Canada’s commitment on the advancement of Aboriginal languages and respect for Aboriginal language rights. Bill S-212 was debated and adopted by the Senate...
September 21, 2015
Manitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy
Manitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy to improve teacher training and develop a system for sharing and expertise related to “protect and promote” aboriginal languages....
January 1, 2008
Official Languages Act for Nunavut
Nunavut adopted the Official Languages Act for Nunavut, which recognizes Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English and French as the official languages of the territory. In 2013, it adopted the Inuit Language Protection Act, the first legislative instrument in Canada devoted to protecting and revitalizing an Aboriginal language....
January 1, 1999
Language Commissioner
When it was created in 1999, Nunavut established the position of Languages Commissioner...
January 1, 1990
Official Languages Act
The Official Languages Act of the NWT recognizes 11 official languages, including 9 Aboriginal languages, 3 of them Inuit that have equality of status in the Legislative Assembly and NWT government institutions. The territorial government has created the Aboriginal Languages Secretariat. The NWT also has an Official Languages Policy, Aboriginal Languages Revitalization Board Regulations, and an Aboriginal Languages Plan. The territory...