Mother Language

The eleven indigenous language families must be fully supported throughout Canada says National Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo. Under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, he notes, First Nations have the right to revitalize and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions and philosophies. Commemorating International Mother Language Day, Atleo observed, “As the original languages of this land, indigenous languages require significant investment and it should be comparable to that provided for the two official languages in Canada.”