AFN Chief Perry Bellegarde. File photo.
The Assembly of First Nations and the Liberal government are looking at developing an Indigenous Languages Act.
The partnership would look at protecting, recovering and maintaining Indigenous languages.
AFN Chief Perry Bellegarde says that revitalizing First Nations languages is a part of self-determination, and that language is culture and central to Indigenous songs, stories and ceremonies.
“Revitalizing First Nations languages is a vital part of self-determination,” said Bellegarde. “We look forward to the First Nation engagement process supporting First Nations jurisdiction, and will ensure language rights are recognized as inherent rights.”
Bellegarde says that the AFN will engage with First Nations to work on legislation within the next week, and says that First Nations educators and language champions will be essential to providing input.
Prime Minister Trudeau announced a commitment to enact an Indigenous Language Act at the AFN’s Special Chief’s Assembly in December 2016.
A survey conducted by Nanos Research earlier this year found 74 per cent of Canadians support the creation of such legislation.
There are more than 58 distinct Indigenous languages and more than 90 distinct languages and dialects spoken across Canada.