Canadian Heritage Funds Initiative to Preserve Aboriginal Languages
OTTAWA, June 19, 1998 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps today announced $20 million in funding to preserve, protect and teach Aboriginal languages."The rich and varied cultures of Aboriginal peoples are part of what defines us as Canadians. We must ensure that Aboriginal languages, many of which are in decline, are preserved and protected. This initiative is an important first step in the long range process to reverse the decline of Aboriginal languages," said Minister Copps.
The Aboriginal Languages Initiative fulfills a commitment made in the Red Book: Securing Our Future Together and will support planned activities to preserve Aboriginal languages recently outlined in the federal government's Gathering Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan. The Initiative will be managed and delivered by Aboriginal organizations. It will complement existing school-based Aboriginal languages programs by focusing its efforts on Aboriginal language instruction directly in communities.
"The Department has consulted extensively with Aboriginal groups in the development of this initiative which will be accessible to all Aboriginals," added Minister Copps.
Funding of $5 million will be distributed annually over four years and will be allocated to support First Nations/Indian languages, Inuktitut dialects and Michif, a language unique to the Métis.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 1998 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Jacques Lefebvre
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
BACKGROUNDER
REVITALIZING AND MAINTAINING ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES
There are more than fifty Aboriginal languages in Canada - most of which are endangered and/or close to extinction. Aboriginal languages must be preserved and protected for future generations of Canadians as precious elements, not only of Aboriginal cultures, but also of Canada's national heritage.
With a focus on early language learning, the Aboriginal Languages Initiative will maintain and revitalize Aboriginal languages 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.
An initial investment of $20 million over four years will be allocated as follows: Indian/First Nations languages (approximately 75%) spoken by First Nations, as well as many Non-Status Indian and Métis speakers; Michif (approximately 10%) a language unique to many Métis communities in western Canada; and Inuktitut (approximately 15%) which encompasses the many dialects spoken by Inuit people in Labrador, northern Quebec and the Northwest Territories. The factors taken into consideration in arriving at this allocation were based on population, number of Aboriginal languages, number of Aboriginal language speakers, number of communities, and the availability of other sources of funding for related language activities.
The design of the initiative is based on three principles:
--Aboriginal peoples are the stewards of Aboriginal languages, preserving and protecting these languages for the benefit and enrichment of future generations of Aboriginal peoples and non-aboriginal Canadians;
--Aboriginal peoples are in the best position to design and deliver support for Aboriginal languages that respects and responds to the language retention needs of Aboriginal communities and families; and
--Each community should choose its own goals and strategy for language renewal and maintenance in the home and in the community.
Existing Aboriginal organizations will manage and deliver the initiative under multi-year contribution agreements. The organizations selected must have a history of service delivery and financial accountability and be able to demonstrate that they can manage and administer the funds within reasonable levels.
To date, the renewal and maintenance of Aboriginal languages has been addressed mainly through the formal education system. Projects funded under this initiative will be community and home-based, leading to the development of innovative new approaches and culturally relevant teaching and learning materials. Consequently, the new initiative will complement existing federal, provincial or territorial Aboriginal languages programs and services.
All Aboriginals groups will be eligible to apply for funding. Examples of projects that may be funded include: developing materials to increase Aboriginal language use and proficiency; developing programs for training and certifying Aboriginal language teachers and resource people in the community; collecting and sharing information on models and best practices; promoting traditional approaches to learning, such as language camps and immersion programs; improving community and public understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal languages; and developing short and long term strategies and plans for revitalizing and maintaining Aboriginal languages.
After four years, the Department of Canadian Heritage will evaluate the impact of its support on the revitalization and maintenance of Aboriginal languages with the view to formulating a long term strategy for restoring an integral part of Canada's cultural heritage.
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