Native Languages Task Force Issues Report
Monday, July 18, 2005 at 13:59
A task force looking into the issue of preserving Aboriginal languages and cultures in this country has submitted a 161-page report to the federal government.
Among the key recommendations is a call for federal legislation that enshrines Aboriginal languages into the Canadian fabric much like how English and French are protected.
As well, the report calls on the government to devote at least the same amount of money it spends on English and French language promotion to Aboriginal languages.
There are also calls for more resources for Aboriginal language immersion programs and the training of Aboriginal language teachers.
Ottawa previously announced an investment of over $160 million over 10 years to preserve Aboriginal languages, most of which are on the verge of extinction.
A large part of that funding is supposed to go to the creation of a national centre devoted to Aboriginal language revitalization, but Canadian Heritage spokesman Allan Clarke says the task force doesn’t want the government to spend too much money on administration.
Clarke couldn’t give an exact timeline on how the government intends to respond to the report’s recommendations.