Government of Canada Participates in Promoting the Michif Language in Ontario
OTTAWA, March 22, 2004 -- The Honourable Mauril Bélanger, Member of Parliament (Ottawa-Vanier), on behalf of the Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced the Government of Canada's participation in the Métis Nation of Ontario's project to promote the Michif language."Michif is part of the identity and culture of the Métis people, and its value is immeasurable," said Mr. Bélanger. "I am proud that the Government of Canada is cooperating in important initiatives to preserve and revitalize Aboriginal languages for the benefit of future generations."
"The continuing erosion of Aboriginal languages and cultures represents an immense loss, particularly for Aboriginal Canadians, but also for all Canadians," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "This project is an example of the Government of Canada's commitment to working with Aboriginal peoples to enhance and preserve their languages and cultures."
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) plans to announce a promotional campaign across Ontario to stress the importance of maintaining their language. The funding of $90,500 over two years will allow the MNO to produce Internet learning tools (a Web site and Web radio service) and conduct a publicity campaign to promote them, and also to hold a National Michif Language Conference.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative. The Aboriginal Languages Initiative maintains and revitalizes Aboriginal languages for future generations by increasing the number of Aboriginal language speakers, encouraging the transmission of these languages from generation to generation, and expanding language usage in family and community settings.
In 2002, the Government of Canada committed $172.5 million in funding over 11 years to help preserve Aboriginal languages and cultures. The funding provided for an extension of the Aboriginal Languages Initiative until March 2005, after which a new initiative will be launched to create an Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Centre, which will be operated as an arms-length, not-for-profit corporation under the stewardship of Aboriginal peoples.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Anne Ménard
Executive Assistant
Office of the Hon. Mauril Bélanger
613) 992-4766
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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