We call upon the federal government to appoint, in consultation with Aboriginal groups, an Aboriginal Languages Commissioner. The commissioner should help promote Aboriginal languages and report on the adequacy of federal funding of Aboriginal-languages initiatives.
Why “In Progress?”
On Monday, June 14, 2021, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced the first appointees to the new Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages:
- Ronald E. Ignace, Commissioner
- Robert Watt, Director
- Georgina Liberty, Director
- Joan Greyeyes, Director
As the press release outlines, the Office of the Commissioner will operate independently from the Government of Canada. They will support and work with Indigenous peoples, their respective governments; other governing bodies, communities and organizations; the governments of Canada and the provinces and territories; and all Canadians to support the self-determined work of Indigenous peoples in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining and strengthening First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages.
June 21, 2019: Bill C-91, “An Act respecting Indigenous languages” received Royal assent and established an Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Language with 3 distinctions-based directors, one each for First Nations, Métis and Inuit. The Commissioner and the Directors will work with Indigenous Peoples and their respective governments; other governing bodies, communities and organizations; the governments of Canada and the provinces and territories; and all Canadians to support the self-determined work of Indigenous peoples in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining and strengthening First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages.
Current Status
Complete
Call to Action
last updated
October 23, 2023
Latest Updates
Office of the Commissioner of Ind. Lang.
To sustain hope for Indigenous language revitalization funding must change
“All departments, government agencies and entities must engage in the language because it took 150 years with the combined weight of the church and state……
October 23, 2023
Office of the Commissioner of Ind. Lang.
Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages
Under Bill C-91, the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages will: conduct or commission research to support Indigenous languages and to obtain information on……
June 14, 2021
Commissioner Profiles
Commissioner Profiles
Ronald E. Ignace Commissioner Stsmél̓qen, Ronald E. Ignace, is a member of the Secwepemc Nation in Interior British Columbia. He was the elected chief of……
June 14, 2021
The Glendon Declaration
The Glendon Declaration
The Crown and Her Federal Government in enacting an Indigenous Language Act must create an Office of the Commissioners of Indigenous Languages, with three national……
December 8, 2016