New Manitoba programs aim to increase number of Indigenous language speakers, translators

Two new programs will get funding to help increase the number ofproficient Indigenous language speakers and thenumber of Indigenous language translators inManitoba, the provincial government announced Thursday.

The province will provide $300,000 in funding for apartnership withthe non-profitIndigenous Languages of Manitoba Inc. to create and operate the twoprograms over the next three years.

One programwill focus on language programming and apprenticeships to increase the number of proficient Indigenous language speakers in Manitoba.

The other program will focus on translator training, with the goal of increasing the number of translators working in the province.

"Our people have a right to their language and to be connected to their cultures,"Melanie Kennedy, executive director of Indigenous Languages of Manitoba, was quoted as saying in anews release announcing the funding.

"This funding will give us the opportunity to balance the scales to build long-term capacity and to genuinely make an impact when it comes to the survival of our languages, while paving a path of acceptance and opportunity for our children and future generations," she said in the release.

According to the province, hernon-profitorganization, which focuses on promoting thesurvival of Indigenous languages, is the onlyplace where translation services are availablefor all seven Indigenous languages recognized under Manitoba's Aboriginal Languages Recognition Act: Ininmowin(Cree), Dakota, Dene, Inuktitut, Michif, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) andAnishininimowin (Oji-Cree).

Indigenous Languages of Manitoba's services are usedby a number of organizations, including several government departments, the province's news release said.

Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relation Minister Alan Lagimodieresays thedemand for Indigenous language services is growing across Manitoba, "but the existing capacity to provide those services is limited."

The partnership announced Thursday will help ensure "timely access to critical information in Indigenous languages," he said in the province's news release.

The province said over the three years they're funded for, the two programs announced Thursday are expected to lead to 20 intermediate speakers and 10 translators in Dakota, 15 advanced speakers and five translators in Michif, and 10 master speakers and 20 translators in Ininmowin and Anishinaabemowin.

Several of the calls to action included in the final 2015 report of theTruth and Reconciliation Commission pertain to language, including No. 13, which calls for theacknowledgement that Indigenousrights include Indigenouslanguage rights.

• Beyond 94:Truth and Reconciliation in Canada