VANCOUVER, December 20, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced a three-year renewal of the Aboriginal Languages Initiative, as well as a new formula for First Nations languages that distributes funding according to the regional realities of languages across Canada.
The new funding formula for First Nations languages is based on regional distribution of these languages. First Nations organizations active in language initiatives in provinces and territories with a greater number of languages will have access to more funding than those where fewer languages are found. The new formula comes into effect on April 1, 2011.
"Language is critical to the maintenance and transmission of cultural identity," said Minister Moore. "With the renewal of the Aboriginal Languages Initiative, we are ensuring that support continues for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit language revitalization."
Minister Moore also announced funding for 16 language projects in British Columbia: 12 under the auspices of the First Peoples' Cultural Foundation and 4 other First Nations projects.
"Ensuring that languages are seen and heard as living languages within Aboriginal communities is essential for them to thrive," added Minister Moore. "Our Government is committed to safeguarding these languages and supports Aboriginal communities in their efforts to protect and enhance them."
The Government of Canada has provided a total of $334,569 in funding for these projects through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program. The goal of ALI is to support the preservation and promotion of Aboriginal languages for future generations of Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians.
For a list of organizations receiving funding, see the attached backgrounder.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Codie Taylor
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
The following British Columbia organizations are part of this funding announcement:
- Upper St'at'imc Language, Culture and Education Society, Lillooet - $44,941
- Okanagan Indian Educational Resources Society, Penticton - $44,870
- U'Mista Cultural Society, Alert Bay - $44,100
- Maya'xala'xa Youth Recreation and Culture Society, Port Hardy - $32,328
- Saulteau First Nations & Muskoti Learning Centre, Chetwynd - $15,000
- Treaty 8 Tribal Association, Fort St. John - $15,000
- Tsay Keh Dene, Prince George - $15,000
- West Moberly First Nation, Moberly Lake - $15,000
- Taku River Tlingit First Nations, Atlin - $14,968
- Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre, Chilliwack - $14,910
- Salk'uz First Nation, Vanderhoof - $14,708
- NAMGIS First Nation / T'lisalagi'lakw School, Alert Bay - $14,335
- Kwantlen First Nation, Fort Langley - $13,950
- Cook's Ferry Indian Band, Spences Bridge - $13,459
- Penticton Indian Band / Outma Sqilxw Cultural School, Penticton - $12,000
- Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona - $10,000
