On Feb. 21, International Mother Language Day, several Canadian and Indigenous leaders announced the start of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, National Chief RoseAnne Archibald of the Assembly of First Nations, President Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and President Cassidy Caron of the Métis National Council united their voices to mark the beginning of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
“For each of us, our language is central to our identity, community and culture. Language is essential in how we share our stories and our history, and how we connect with one another. That is why Canada is proud to support Indigenous language revitalization. We will mark the International Decade of Indigenous Languages by accelerating the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act in a co-developed and co-operative manner with Indigenous partners. We must support First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in their efforts to revitalize their languages and build the next generations of speakers of Indigenous languages,” said Rodriguez.
In addition, Commissioner of Indigenous Languages Dr. Ronald E. Ignace, is pleased to underscore the importance of the Decade bringing focus and awareness to Indigenous languages and Indigenous language rights.
The aim of the Decade is to draw global attention to the loss and current risks to Indigenous languages, and to mobilize stakeholders and resources for the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote them.
“Indigenous languages are at the heart of First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture, identity and self-determination. They are used to share our history through storytelling, to connect with the natural environment and to create familial bonds,” said a Feb. 21 press release.
The work of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages will also be important in helping to promote Indigenous languages and supporting Indigenous peoples in achieving their language revitalization goals. But we need to do more.
“Throughout this Decade, we will collaborate to share their stories, and support events and activities that highlight the important role of Indigenous languages in Canada and the work underway to revitalize and maintain them. Our goal is to plan for the Decade and create a legacy we can leave for our children and for our children’s children. They are the ones who will keep Indigenous languages alive,” said the release.
“The Canadian government and numerous religions, particularly the Catholic church spent, by today’s standards, billions of dollars destroying First Nations languages and cultures. In the Decade ahead, I look forward to their re-investment and support as we undo the damage that they have done. The first step is a fully funded Indigenous Languages Act. Today and throughout the Decade ahead, we can walk the healing path forward as we lift up Language Champions and every single First Nation person re-learning to speak their language,” said National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Assembly of First Nations.
Join those who are honouring, promoting and celebrating the cultural richness of all Indigenous languages in Canada and around the globe.
“As Inuit, our language is a foundation of our culture and identity. As we embark on this International Decade of Indigenous Languages, we reflect on the resilience of Inuktut, which remains among the strongest Indigenous languages in Canada. Inuit have experienced significant language loss, however, and the task of protecting Inuktut can’t be ours alone. Our hope is that the next ten years will bring renewed support and revitalization efforts to help Inuktut become a dominant language in Inuit workplaces, schools and homes,” said Natan Obed, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
