SASKATOON, April 22, 2008 - People living in Saskatchewan will have more opportunities to learn about First Nations languages thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, today announced funding for the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre (SICC).
The funding of $737,613, over a period of three years, will help the Centre to organize key activities in support of the preservation of First Nations languages in the province, as well as community-based language projects.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to provide this funding for Aboriginal language preservation," said Minister Verner. "The strength of these languages is vital for our First Nations communities and an important part of Canadian heritage."
Our Government is committed to improving the participation of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canadian society," said Mr. Vellacott. "This support for First Nations languages will contribute to strengthening First Nations communities in Saskatchewan."
"Language revitalization and retention is the responsibility of all First Nations language speakers, and this funding will enable community-driven projects that will focus on language fluency in the home, school, and workplace," said Dorothy Myo, SICC President. "The goal of the SICC Language Strategy is to increase the use and preservation of our Indigenous languages in everyday First Nations' life."
Projects to be undertaken will include the development of community language plans, regional language research, archiving and digitization projects, and initiatives to support the integration of First Nations languages in the provincial curriculum.
The Government of Canada has provided these funds under the Aboriginal Languages Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage, which is aimed at preserving and promoting Aboriginal languages and cultures.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
