The federal Liberal government pledged its support for Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan by announcing $2.3 million in new funding on Tuesday.
The announcement was made at the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre in Saskatoon by Minister of Heritage and Multiculturalism Pablo Rodriguez.
He says preservation and promotion of traditional languages is essential for a young and upcoming generation of Indigenous people.
“Indigenous languages are key to connecting younger generations to their history, culture and community,” Rodriguez says. “We are proud to support the efforts of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages throughout the province.”
The funds will be administered by SICC for language classes, camps and product based resources offered to First Nations Communities throughout the province.
The funding will be provided over two years.
Also on Tuesday in Saskatoon, the Liberals announced $50 million for child and family services provided by the Saskatoon Tribal Council.
And in Prince Albert, the federal government announced close to $2 million for a local at-risk youth crime prevention strategy.
(PHOTO: A number of people took part in the Liberal government’s announcement of $2.3 million for Indigenous languages in Saskatchewan including Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron, standing far left, and Minister of Culture and Heritage Pablo Rodriguez, standing second from left. Photo by Andrea Leavitt.)