The implementation of the Indigenous Language Act—an act to support the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages.
The Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault, is undertaking the first in a series of online and in-person consultation and engagement sessions to implement the Act. The focus of this phase will be to help him make recommendations to the Governor in Council for the appointment of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages and Directors.
The Commissioner will play a key role in supporting the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous languages.
The government is building on the approach taken to co-develop the Indigenous Languages Act, by inviting Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous elders, youth, children, persons with disabilities, women, men, two-spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ people across Canada to complete the online questionnaire.
“Indigenous knowledge, vision and experience are essential to ensuring the Indigenous Languages Act is fully implemented. We must consult and work in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada to ensure we set the foundation for them to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen and maintain their Indigenous languages.” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage
Consultation and engagement sessions will be ongoing in every province and territory, as well as via the Web, until June 2020.
