Government of Canada Encourages Preservation and Promotion of Inuktitut
IQALUIT, October 21, 2005 -- Member of Parliament (Nunavut) Nancy Karetak-Lindell, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $108,525 in funding for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA). The funds will help the Association develop Inuktitut-language teaching materials for schoolchildren in Nunavut."Inuktitut is one of three Aboriginal languages widely spoken in Canada," said Ms. Karetak-Lindell. "It is essential that we preserve it and encourage its use—especially in Nunavut, where it is an integral part of Inuit culture."
"We have a duty to preserve and promote Aboriginal languages for the benefit of future generations," said Minister Frulla. "By fostering wider daily use of Inuktitut, this project will enrich Canada's linguistic diversity."
The QIA plans to work on three Inuktitut-language projects: "Nunavut Little Scientists", a television program and video series for children; a series of posters designed to interest elementary school students in science; and a Web site that will serve as an Inuktitut educational resource for parents and educators.
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Aboriginal Languages Initiative. The Initiative helps to maintain and revitalize Aboriginal languages by increasing the number of Aboriginal-language speakers, encouraging language transmission from generation to generation, and expanding the use of Aboriginal languages in family and community settings.
Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Jean-François Del Torchio
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women
(819) 997-7788
Susan Scullion
Executive Assistant
Office of Nancy Karetak-Lindell,
Member of Parliament (Nunavut)
(613) 992-2848
Jean-Guy Beaupré
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-9314
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