Ottawa, Nov. 25, 2004 - Writers, storytellers and academic delegates experienced in Aboriginal languages and literature will gather in Penticton, B.C. this weekend for a national conference focusing on artistic creation, literacy and usage of original Aboriginal languages. The first-ever Original Languages and Literature Conference (OLLC) will be held at the En'owkin Centre on November 26-28, and is co-sponsored by the En'owkin Centre and the Canada Council for the Arts. Other government supporters include the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Its purpose is to bring together Aboriginal language speakers, artists and academics to discuss original language literature and the arts - oral and written. Federal statistics reveal that of Canada's 50 Aboriginal languages, 47 face extinction within one or two generations. Only Cree, Ojibwa and Inuktitut have sufficient speakers to survive future generations. Delegates representing many of these 50 languages will explore ways in which the arts can help revitalize languages, particularly for Aboriginal youth. Invited delegates, keynote speakers and honourees include distinguished storytellers, writers, media professionals, performers, musicians and advocates whose work continues to support the recovery of original Aboriginal languages. Keynote speakers include Anishnawbe author and storyteller Basil Johnson, Métis author, playwright and filmmaker Maria Campbell, and Eva Aariak, Nunavut Languages Commissioner. Representatives of government agencies have also been invited to attend, to provide information and observe the conference proceedings and activities. "Throughout the conference, we hope to create an atmosphere of shared dialogue directed at the development and identification of key policy issues which support the revitalization of original languages and literatures," said Jeannette Armstrong, Executive Director of the En'owkin Centre. A special honouring ceremony will be held to recognize elders who, through their work in Aboriginal languages and literature, have advocated for the continued existence and recovery of those languages. There will also be an evening of artistic performances and readings which celebrate Aboriginal languages and literature. For more information regarding the conference, contact Jeannette Armstrong at the En'owkin Centre at (250) 493-7181 or Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, Aboriginal Arts Coordinator of the Canada Council for the Arts at 1-800-263-5588, ext. 5212. -30- Tous les documents du Conseil des Arts du Canada sont offerts en français et en anglais. Media Contact: Donna BalkanSenior Communications Manager1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4134 Email this contactCarole BretonPublic Relations Officer1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4523 Email this contact
