Ottawa/CMEDIA: An announcement was made today by the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Pablo Rodriguez, about the Government of Canada’s investment of $17,700,000 through the Canada–Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages over three years (2021–22 to 2023–24).
“Language describes who we are, our identity, our feelings, culture, and histories…reflects our identity as individuals and communities…reveals our dreams for the future. For these reasons, the revitalization of Indigenous languages in the North, and throughout Canada, is and will remain a priority for me and for our government,” Rodriguez said in a news release.
The importance of Canada’s sustained support for the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages has been recognized both by the Government of Canada and the Northwest Territories.
A collaborative framework between Canada and the Northwest Territories has been maintained by the Canada–Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages, which maintains to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages in the Northwest Territories.
Apart from an increase in the number of Indigenous-language resources available in the Northwest Territories, the funds will allow also allow for an increase in the courses in Indigenous languages as well as the number of participants enrolled in learning these languages.
Being at the heart of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis culture, identity, and self-determination, Indigenous languages are used to share history through storytelling to connect with the natural environment and to create familial bonds.
“Coming from the Northwest Territories, I know how much of a difference this funding will make to Indigenous communities…am pleased to see that this funding will benefit communities across the Northwest Territories, which will make a concrete difference to our region,” said Michael V. McLeod, Member of Parliament (Northwest Territories)
The help of initiatives like these facilitates the Indigenous people to reclaim their languages and cultural knowledge and to continue to use them as an authentic and powerful tool to share their own stories, in their own words.
R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Minister of Justice, and GovernmHouse Leader for the Northwest Territories said in the news release that this funding will support the development of a new generation of speakers through the availability of language services and instruction throughout the territory.
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