The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing more than $8.7 million over two years in Indigenous languages and cultures in Quebec.
This funding, provided through the Aboriginal Peoples' Program and the Museums Assistance Program, will support 48 community-based projects that include the promotion of Indigenous cultural heritage, language camps, classes, immersion programs, and production and distribution of language resources such as translator tools, educational materials and children's books. The funding will also allow for the production and broadcasting of culturally relevant radio and television programming in Indigenous languages, as well as the development of mobile web applications.
This funding is in addition to the $691,482 provided to support 3 community-based projects in Montréal, Kahnawake and Gaspé, announced in November 2018 and July 2019.
Quotes
"Indigenous languages are an integral part of our country's identity and play an important role in sharing culture. Most Indigenous languages in Canada are considered endangered, and we recognize the importance of preserving them. The Government of Canada is proud to offer financial support to projects that allow Indigenous Peoples in Quebec to take back and revitalize their languages, and to promote their cultural heritage. The projects for which funding is being announced today are in keeping with the spirit of the Indigenous Languages Act, which came into effect on June 21."
-The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"Indigenous languages are an integral part of Indigenous identity and Canada's cultural identity. We are pleased to support the efforts of these Quebec organizations who are working to preserve and promote Indigenous languages and culture."
-Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick facts
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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages. According to UNESCO, three quarters of the 90 Indigenous languages in Canada are considered endangered.
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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.
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On June 21, 2019, the Governor General of Canada granted Royal Assent to the Indigenous Languages Act. Since 2017, Canadian Heritage has worked with national Indigenous organizations to develop this historic legislation.
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Budget 2019 committed $333.7 million over five years, starting in 2019-2020, and $115.7 million per year ongoing to support the implementation of the Indigenous Languages Act.
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The objectives of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program are to:
- promote, revitalize and preserve Indigenous languages and cultures;
- strengthen Indigenous cultural identity; and,
- increase Indigenous participation in Canadian society.
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The Program offers two funding components to eligible Indigenous organizations:
The Aboriginal Languages Initiative supports the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures through community-based projects and activities;
The Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component supports the production and distribution of Indigenous audio and video content.
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Through its Aboriginal Heritage component, the Museums Assistance Program provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management and presentation of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
