Call to Action # 15

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.