Gov of Canada to virtually consult with indigenous people to implement ILA

#Gatineu; #Quebec; #IndigenousLanguageAct; #IndigenousLanguageSymposium; #VirtualConsultations

Gatineau (Quebec), Sep 28 (Canadian-Media): Steven Guilbeault, Federal Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced Sep 28 that the Government of Canada is taking essential steps to advance the implementation of the  Indigenous Language Act (ILA) -- developed in consultation with Indigenous Peoples and received Royal Assent June 21, 2019  --  by hosting close to 40 virtual consultations directly with Indigenous people using video conferencing and teleconferencing technology.

Steven Guilbeault. Image credit: Facebook page

These virtual consultations would discuss the appointment of a Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (CIL) and up to three directors who will form the Office of CIL, and to seek input on the use of the Indigenous Language funding model to best meet the needs of First Nations for the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance, and strengthening of Indigenous languages.

In the spirit of reconciliation, the selection committee will also include First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation representatives.

The availability of an online questionnaire would ensure the minister hears from all interested parties, including Indigenous elders, youth, persons with disabilities, women, men, two-spirit, and LGBTQ persons. 

In early 2021, a virtual IL Symposium would be hosted by the government of Canada to bring together a wide range of national and international experts to share their knowledge and best practices on the revitalization of Indigenous languages.

2019 budget announced an investment of $333.7 million over five years, starting in 2019-2020, with $115.7 million ongoing, to support the implementation of the act.  ​