Minister Frulla Opens International Symposium on the World's Indigenous Languages at Expo 2005

OTTAWA, August 10, 2005 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla yesterday opened the International Symposium on the World's Indigenous Languages: Coming Together in Diversity. The conference takes place from August 9 to 11 at the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan and involves some 40 participants from around the world.

"I think it's wonderful that this Symposium is taking place," said Minister Frulla. "It's a testament to the importance the world places on Indigenous languages. It also reflects how Canadians value diversity, which is what we are showcasing here in our Pavilion at Expo 2005."

The International Symposium on the World's Indigenous Languages highlights what steps are being taken to revitalize Aboriginal languages in Canada, and draws attention to the importance of protecting Indigenous languages worldwide. The Symposium offers a forum for experts and concerned individuals to discuss the revitalization, preservation, and promotion of these languages from an international perspective. It was developed and organized by the Aboriginal Affairs Branch at the Department of Canadian Heritage. It features presenters from Asia, Australia, North America, and Europe, as well from the United Nations.

"Across the world, it is estimated by UNESCO that of the 6,000 to 7,000 languages currently spoken globally, half are in danger of extinction. I am pleased to say that the Government of Canada recognizes the urgency of this situation," added Minister Frulla. "Last month, the Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures presented its report, which will serve as the foundation for our national strategy to revitalize the Aboriginal languages and cultures of Canada. We are deeply committed to this task."

Approximately 60 Aboriginal languages are spoken in Canada, and most of them are considered threatened or critically endangered. In 2002, the Government of Canada committed $160 million over ten years toward the creation of a national strategy to counter the erosion of Aboriginal languages and cultures and established the Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures to help develop this strategy. Its report, titled Towards a New Beginning, was released on July 13, 2005 and is seen as the first step toward a long-term plan to revitalize Aboriginal languages in Canada.

For more information on the International Symposium on the World's Indigenous Languages, please visit www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/iswil

For information about the Task Force Report, please visit www.canadianheritage.gc.ca

For more information on the Canada Pavillion at Expo 2005, please refer to the backgrounder attached to this press release at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca, under Media Room.

Information:

Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788

Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314

Backgrounder

Canada Pavilion at the 2005 Aichi Expo

The Canada Pavilion at Expo 2005 explores the theme of diversity through a multi-sensory experience of Canadian culture, environment, and identity. Six Canadians are featured in the public presentation and share their unique perspective on what it means to be Canadian. Since opening on March 25, 2005, the pavilion has been drawing considerable crowds averaging nearly 17,000 visitors a day, which represents approximately 18 percent of the total number of visitors at Expo 2005.

Thirty-six hosting staff members, selected from all regions of Canada, greet and interact with visitors in Japanese and in Canada's two official languages. "Teku-Jin" - special hosts fitted with webcams - take photos of Canada Pavilion guests, which are posted at www.expo2005canada.gc.ca. A realm of talented Canadian artists from across the country are also showcased at Expo 2005 as part of Canada's rich cultural program.

Canadians at home are invited to contribute to Canada's presence at Expo 2005 via the Canada Pavilion's Web site or by taking part in various initiatives developed in cooperation with partner institutions across Canada.

For more information on Canada's participation at Expo 2005, which runs to September 25, please visit www.expo2005canada.gc.ca