Historic day as the House of Commons tables new Indigenous Language Act

Legislation has been tabled to preserve Indigenous languages in Canada.

Once the bill officially passes, The new Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages would be mandated to support Indigenous efforts to protect their languages; to promote public awareness about Indigenous languages; to study and research funding for services; and annually report on the vitality of Indigenous languages in Canada 

The Indigenous languages commissioner will be chosen by the federal cabinet and appointed to a five year term.

Three out of four of the 90 different living Indigenous languages in Canada are said to be endangered.

The federal government said it would work with provinces and territories to boost Indigenous languages nationwide.

" First Nations have been pushing for action to save our languages for decades. No Indigenous language is safe. Today the Indigenous Language Act was tabled in the House of Commons. It’s about revitalizing our languages" 

- AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde