Canadian Heritage will support the Nahæâ Dehé Dene Band realize various linguistic projects
focused on community engagement, language promotion and
documentation.
GATINEAU, QC, June 21,
2024 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous
Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and
strengthen their languages.
Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian
Heritage, announced a $269,724
investment over five years, which will support the revitalization
of the Dene Zhatié, or South Slavey, language in Nahanni Butte.
The funding, from the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program,
will help the Nahæâ Dehé Dene Band
realize various linguistic projects promoting and documenting its
language. These initiatives include the creation of a book on the
community's history as well as capturing stories from elders and
community members. The funding will also allow for a language
coordinator to work with community members and conduct language
classes.
The inclusion of stories from elders and community members will
be instrumental in enhancing people's language skills and cultural
understanding. These efforts aim to help them gain basic language
knowledge while strengthening community bonds by sharing diverse
stories and cultural practices.
Quotes
"The Dene Zhatié language is a cornerstone of the Nahæâ Dehé
Dene Band's identity and cultural
heritage. Our government is committed to supporting Indigenous
communities in their language revitalization initiatives, which are
vital in preserving their traditions for future generations. By
partnering with Indigenous communities, we're not just reviving
languages, but also adding to our vibrant cultural mosaic."
—The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian
Heritage
"The Nahæâ Dehé Dene Band's
commitment to revitalizing the Dene Zhatié language is a testament
to its strength and resilience. This investment will support its
efforts to lead several important initiatives. The community's
dedication to these projects not only ensures the survival of its
language but also strengthens its cultural heritage for future
generations."
— Michael V. McLeod, Member of
Parliament (Northwest
Territories)
Quick Facts
The Indigenous Languages Act received Royal Assent
on June 21, 2019. Canadian Heritage
continues to work with Indigenous partners and organizations to
implement the Act.
As part of the implementation of the Indigenous Languages
Act, the Government of Canada
has launched new funding models developed by First Nations, Inuit
and Métis partners to provide long-term agreements, greater
Indigenous control over funding decisions and better responsiveness
to their distinct needs.
The Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program aims to support
the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain
and strengthen Indigenous languages.
The Nahanni Butte community is located on the banks of the South
Nahanni River, a kilometre upstream from its confluence with the
Liard River. The community is 21 kilometres off the Liard Highway
and 95 kilometres north of Fort
Liard. It has no road access during the summer months.
Access is available by river taxi or air charter. Nahanni Butte
residents maintain a traditional lifestyle and are known for their
hospitality towards visitors, especially those travelling to the
nearby Nahanni National Park Reserve.
Associated Links
Nahæâ Dehé Dene Band
Indigenous Languages Act
Government of Canada Indigenous languages resource webpage
International Decade of Indigenous Languages
SOURCE Canadian Heritage