Indigenous languages legislation

The Indigenous Languages Act, which is intended to support the reclamation, revitalization, maintaining and strengthening of Indigenous languages in Canada received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019.

It is important to acknowledge the significant role Indigenous Peoples have played in Canada's history, and the importance of our relationship, as a government, with Indigenous Peoples. The importance of that history and relationship underpins our indigenous languages legislation. The indigenous languages act is historic. Its impact will be felt by many future generations.

Discover the highlights from this act, which constitutes an essential step on the path to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

A collaborative approach with Indigenous Peoples has guided the work to develop the Act, which included:

• 12 fundamental principles, co-developed to inform the basis of the legislation;
• more than 50 intensive and collaborative engagement sessions held across the country to collect elements of importance to be included in the legislation.

The sessions were attended by over 1,200 individuals. Canadian Heritage also received approximately 200 electronic submissions from the online questionnaire.

Read the news release and backgrounder related to the tabling of Bill C-91:

• Government of Canada introduces historic legislation on Indigenous languages
• Backgrounder: Government of Canada introduces historic legislation on Indigenous languages

Read the news release related to the Royal Assent granted to Bill C-91:

• The Indigenous Languages Act Receives Royal Assent 

Related links

• Co-development of a National First Nations, Inuit and Métis Languages Act
• Legislative process of the Act