Minister Copps Announces the Creation of an Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Centre
WINNIPEG, December 19, 2002 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced $172.5 million in funding to establish and operate a new Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Centre. The creation of the Centre is part of the Government of Canada's approach to preserve, revitalize and promote Aboriginal languages and cultures, as stated in the 2002 Speech from the Throne."Aboriginal languages and cultures are among the most endangered in the world, but the Government of Canada is committed to work with Aboriginal peoples to preserve and enhance them," said Minister Copps. "The creation of such a Centre will help strengthen Aboriginal communities by promoting a sense of pride and identity."
The 11-year funding will support the creation and ongoing operations of the Centre. The Centre will be a shared-governance entity, financially accountable to the Minister of Canadian Heritage through the funding arrangements, and will operate as a not-for-profit corporation under the stewardship of the Aboriginal peoples. The Centre will help promote and provide support for teaching Aboriginal languages and cultures. The Centre addresses issues of the loss of knowledge of traditional languages and cultures by Aboriginal peoples, including those who attended Indian Residential Schools.
As a first step, a task force reporting to the Minister of Canadian Heritage will be established, composed primarily of Aboriginal persons with expertise in passing on language and culture at the community level. The task force will advise on the Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Centre's business lines and operational structure and activities. The Centre will support a broad nation-wide approach to community-based language and culture preservation activities and related cultural programming.
Also, the current Government of Canada's Aboriginal Languages Initiative will be extended for two years, to allow for the task force to complete its work and make its final recommendations for the establishment and structure of the Centre.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
- BACKGROUNDER -
ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES AND CULTURES CENTRE
According to 1996 research, close to half of the 50 to 70 Aboriginal languages in Canada are near extinction or endangered, and 10 once-flourishing languages have become extinct over the last 100 years. Currently, only three Aboriginal languages are considered viable: Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut. Also, more than 90% of residential school claims allege loss of languages and cultures. This is the most recent of a number of allegations by Aboriginal peoples claiming the suppression of languages and cultures through Government policies.
In 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended that a foundation be created to address the loss of Aboriginal languages and cultures. In its 2002 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to "work with Aboriginal people to preserve and enhance Aboriginal languages and cultures." The $172.5 funding will provide for a two-year extension of the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) ($5M per year) and the creation and operation of an Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Centre, reflecting Canada's commitment to Aboriginal peoples.
The continuing erosion of Aboriginal languages threatens Aboriginal cultural survival and represents irreparable loss to the cultural heritage of Canada. Consequently, action was urgently needed to reverse the language shift.
The Government of Canada's approach involves three phases.
--The first is to extend the current Aboriginal Languages Initiative ($5M per year) for two years (2003/04, 2004/05).
--The second phase is to establish a predominantly Aboriginal task force, reporting to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, to examine, consult and make recommendations on an Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Centre.
--The third and final phase is to create an Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Centre, a not-for-profit corporation under the stewardship of Aboriginal peoples, to begin in 2004/05, and to receive funding over ten years.
Aboriginal languages, stories and heritage are the foundation of Canada's diversity. These languages must be cherished because they are unique on the face of the globe and help shape the identity and the meaning of Canada. Strong Aboriginal languages and cultures will continue to enrich Canadian culture and are integral to the heritage of Canada.
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