Feds Slammed For Handling Of Native Languages Cash

Feds Slammed For Handling Of Native Languages Cash

Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 14:55

The federal government is under fire today for its apparent reluctance to free up cash for the preservation of Aboriginal languages.

The objections are being voiced by a Native leader out east, but are being echoed by a Saskatchewan man, as well.

Bruce Flamont says, for too long, the government has been clumping First Nations, Metis and Inuit groups together — resulting in a blanket funding strategy that is short-changing portfolios like language retention.

He notes this type of approach plays into the realm of assimilation, and doesn’t do much to recognize the distinctiveness of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples.

Flamont says the feds recently committed $160 million towards the languages portfolio, but maintains it only scratches the surface in terms of the need.

Flamont says the federal government deserves some credit for bring the languages issue to the table.

However, he says if it wants to really tackle the issue, it needs to begin treating First Nations, Metis and Inuit languages on distinct levels.