We call upon the federal government to enact an Aboriginal Languages Act that incorporates the following principles:
- Aboriginal languages are a fundamental and valued element of Canadian culture and society, and there is an urgency to preserve them.
- Aboriginal language rights are reinforced by the Treaties.
- The federal government has a responsibility to provide sufficient funds for Aboriginal-language revitalization and preservation.
- The preservation, revitalization, and strengthening of Aboriginal languages and cultures are best managed by Aboriginal people and communities.
- Funding for Aboriginal language initiatives must reflect the diversity of Aboriginal languages.
Why “Stalled”?
The official government website “Delivering on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action” makes no reference to Indigenous language rights being reinforced by treaties (2 above). The Act directly addresses the principles identified above in 1, 3, 4 and 5, although Budget 2019 investments to support implementation of Bill C-91 allocates almost 35% of the funding to after the next election in 2023 ($116M out of $333.7M)
Bill C-91, “An Act respecting Indigenous Languages” received Royal assent on June 21, 2019. The AFN and Métis National Council support the bill but the Inuit Tapariit Kanatami, the national advocacy voice of Canada’s Inuit did not see many of their recommendations incorporated into the Languages Act, thereby leaving Inuktuk, their “national” language with less protection than English or French in their own territory.
April 19, 2021 – Budget 2021 proposes $275M over 5 years and $2M ongoing to support the reclamation, revitalization and strengthening of Indigenous languages as well as $108.8M over two years for the preservation of Indigenous heritage and $108.8M over two years for Indigenous cultural spaces.
Sept. 5, 2019: The Governments of Canada and Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. are collaborating toward an agreement that will support, revitalize and strengthen Inuktut in Nunavut with up to $42M over 3-year period to support this work.
Current Status
July 5, 2022
Stalled
Previous Status
May 14, 2022
Stalled
Latest Updates
Site last updated on 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……
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.……
July 26, 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……
July 18, 2022
“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……
December 9, 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……
November 22, 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……
October 29, 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……
July 13, 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……
June 29, 2021
Federal Budgets for Language 2016-2021
Federal Budgets 2016-2021
Budget 2016 – 17 Language and Culture: $55M per year for 5 yearsAboriginal Languages Initiative: $5M for 2016 – 2017 Budget 2017 – 18 Aboriginal Languages Initiative:……
April 19, 2021
Federal Budgets for Language 2016-2021
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,……
March 2, 2021