Government of Canada Announces Support for Indigenous Languages in Manitoba
News release
WINNIPEG, November 13, 2018
Today, Gary Anandasangaree, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism (Multiculturalism), announced that the Government of Canada is providing close to $1.8 million over two years to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages in Manitoba. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism.
This funding, provided through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI), will support 16 community-based projects that include language camps, classes, nests and master-apprentice programs offered to Indigenous communities in Manitoba. These projects will also allow the production and distribution of language resources, including Web-based applications, archived material, books, dictionaries, CDs and DVDs, lesson plans, lexicons, magazines and workbooks. The projects will cover seven languages: Blackfoot, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Michif, Nakota and Ojibwe.
Data Tables
| Recipient | Project | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Center Inc. | Indigenous Language Instructor Training Workshop | $44,761 |
| University of Winnipeg (Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Center) | Learning from our Kookums – Gikendan onji-nookomisag | $98,000 |
| Riverton and District Friendship Center Inc. | Anishinaabemowin | $91,472 |
| Seven Oaks School Division | Indigenous Languages Preservation & Revitalization Initiative | $135,660 |
| Anishnabe Mikinack Kinamakamik Inc. | The Way of the Anishinabeg and Ininiwak | $396,910 |
| NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION | The Culture and Language of the People of Nisichawayasihk | $309,897 |
| Indigenous Languages of Manitoba Inc. | Dakota Immersion Workshop | $85,500 |
| Kinosao Sipi Minisowin Agency NPO Inc. | Minisowin Life Book Language Revitalization Project | $45,510 |
| Ma Mawi-Wi-Chi-Itata Center Inc. | The Indigenous Language Revitalization for Urban Youth | $48,290 |
| Native Communications Inc. | Archiving of Manitoba Elder stories and the creation of a free online resource to view them | $32,075 |
| Prairies to Woodlands Indigenous Language Revitalization Circle | Prairies to Woodlands Master Apprentice Pilot Project (FN-Metis) | $93,470 |
| Sagkeeng First Nation | Bih Kay Cain Dun, Key Dinay Win Nee Naan | $71,000 |
| Sandy Bay Child and Family Services Inc. | Anishinaabe Mino Pimatisiwin | $62,900 |
| Sioux Valley Dakota Nation | Sioux Valley Dakota Iapi Project | $152,720 |
| University of Winnipeg | Picture Book App Development and Summer Institute for Six Seasons of the Asiniskow Ithiniwak Project | $40,769 |
| University College of the North | Aski Achimowin | $53,681 |
Quotes
“Language is at the heart of the identity and culture of a people. We recognize that investing in the preservation, promotion and revitalization of Indigenous languages is paramount to them remaining alive and well throughout the country. We are proud to provide funding to organizations in Manitoba that support our commitment to Indigenous languages.”
—The Honourable Pablo Rodríguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
“Indigenous languages are an integral part of our country’s identity and play an important role in sharing culture. We are proud to work with these partners and support their community efforts by funding these important projects.”
—Gary Anandasangaree, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism (Multiculturalism)
“The Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre is appreciative to the many funders who help us to provide opportunities every year for the community to learn Indigenous languages and play a role in the revitalization of the original languages of this land.”
—Angeline Nelson, Director, Community Learning & Engagement, Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre
Quick facts
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Three out of four of the 90 different living Indigenous languages in Canada identified by UNESCO are endangered. No Indigenous languages fall under the UNESCO category of “safe.”
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In 2016, only about 15.6 percent of Indigenous people could converse in an Indigenous language, down from 17 percent in 2011 and 21 percent in 2006. Among First Nations people, 21 percent can converse in an Indigenous language; this figure is 64 percent among Inuit and 2 percent among Métis.
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In 2016, only 12.5 percent of the Indigenous population reported an Indigenous mother tongue, down from 14.5 percent in 2011.
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In 2016, 13.3 percent of Indigenous people reported speaking an Indigenous language at home most of the time or regularly.
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In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada committed $89.9 million over three years to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages and cultures.
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The Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) supports the preservation, promotion and revitalization of First Nations, Métis and Inuit languages through community-based projects and activities, including printed resources in an Indigenous language, language classes and the development of language preservation strategies.
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The projects announced today will allow the delivery of approximately 6,500 hours of language instruction to approximately 1,560 participants of all ages, as well as the production and distribution of approximately 11,460 language resources.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Simon Ross
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Multiculturalism
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca