A Week Focused on Indigenous-Led Efforts to Reclaim, Revitalize, Maintain and Strengthen Indigenous Languages: Highlights of New Projects Funded in Quebec Français
This week, Minister Guilbeault travels virtually across the country to meet with Indigenous communities and language organizations, spending each day in a different region
QUÉBEC CITY, March 15, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada recognizes that Indigenous peoples are best placed to take the leading role in the revitalization of Indigenous languages. This week, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, travels virtually across the country to meet with various Indigenous communities and language organizations to listen and learn first-hand of the impact and importance of their efforts to revitalize and strengthen their languages. Today, Minister Guilbeault is meeting virtually with groups to learn about various Indigenous languages projects in Quebec. He will visit Ontario virtually on Tuesday, Western Canada on Wednesday, Northern communities on Thursday, and the Atlantic on Friday.
Today, Minister Guilbeault met with:
- The First Nations Education Council, which is helping 60 ancestral language teachers in 22 communities in Quebec, as they revitalize their Indigenous languages; and
- The Institut Tshakapesh, which is pursuing its mission and its commitment to all Innu member communities: to protect and promote Innu-aimun, preserve and promote Innu-aitun, and support and develop success at school for all Innu students.
Minister Guilbeault also announced that the federal government is contributing more than $8.5 million to fund 88 projects such as these in Quebec, for a total of more than $8.6 million in 2019–2021.
Under the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program, the Government of Canada has invested more than $60 million in 2019-2021 funding in support of the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures. As a result of the significant investment for Indigenous languages through Budget 2019, we will see the largest growth in Indigenous language supports in program history, with a majority of these funds going directly to Indigenous communities and organizations to support their unique language needs.
Language and culture are at the core of healing, self-worth and identification, and the foundation of healthy communities. The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls called upon the Government of Canada to empower Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people through the transformative potential of culture. With the help of initiatives like these, Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are reclaiming their language and cultural knowledge, and using it as an authentic and powerful tool to share their own stories, in their own words.
Quotes
"Language not only reflects our identity as individuals and communities, but also holds our shared history and cultural heritage, and reveals our dreams for the future. For these reasons, the revitalization of Indigenous languages in Quebec, and throughout Canada, is and will remain a priority for me, for our government, and for all Canadians."
—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"Our government recognizes the importance of preserving and strengthening Indigenous cultures, traditions and languages. That is why we continue to increase our investments in communities throughout Canada where Indigenous languages are spoken; where they are part of the fabric of everyday life. Indigenous languages are a source of vitality and strength, in particular, throughout the North and Arctic."
—The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
"Language describes who we are, our identity, our feelings, culture and histories. In Canada, there are over 60 Indigenous languages, and we know we must protect them, promote them and encourage fluency. We are working to dismantle the colonial systems that have threatened Indigenous peoples and their languages over generations. The Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program is part of our work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and to address the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls."
—The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"The Government of Canada must support those who best understand how to reinvigorate their own languages, using approaches that best meet their unique needs and circumstances. In line with our commitment, we will continue to support and fund Indigenous organizations in their work to reclaim, strengthen, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages."
—The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services
"Ancestral languages are the first official languages in Canada. The First Nations Education Council is proud to take part in preserving, enhancing, promoting and teaching ancestral languages by working together with speakers and teachers. These languages connect us with our ancestors and build a bridge with future generations to promote the continuity and sustainability of our age-old knowledge and traditions."
—John Martin, Chief of Gesgapegiag, First Nations Education Council
"Innu-aimun is the affirmation of our cultural identity. Identity and pride to pass down to our children, to be recognized and respected. Our Innu language and culture are what we have that are most precious, what defines who we are. It is a matter of common interest, but especially of ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders, organizations, families and individuals. But even more, it is a matter of accountability toward our children, with all due respect for our elders and for the future of our nation."
—Alexandre McKenzie, Chair of the Board, and Marjolaine Tshernish, Executive Director, Institut Tshakapesh
Quick Facts
Budget 2019 included an investment of $333.7 million over five years, with an annual budget of $115.7 million afterward, to support Indigenous languages community-based projects.
The Indigenous Languages Act received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019. Canadian Heritage is working with Indigenous partners and organizations to implement the Act and develop a new approach to investing in Indigenous languages.
Related Products
Working Together to Support Inuktut Education in Nunavut
Associated Links
Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program
Creating the MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ national action plan
First Nations Education Council
Institut Tshakapesh (French only)
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
For more information (media only), please contact: Camille Gagné-Raynauld, Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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