Aboriginal languages program funding cuts by federal government
Assembly of First Nations press releases ...
AFN Chiefs Committee on Languages shocked at funding cuts announced by Minister of Canadian Heritage
OTTAWA, Nov. 2 /CNW Telbec/ - The Assembly of First Nations' Chiefs Committee on Languages (CCOL), comprised of First Nations leaders from across Canada, learned today that there will be significant changes to Aboriginal Languages funding.
In today's Conservative government's written response to a Question on the Order Paper by Member of Parliament Charlie Angus, Minister of Heritage and Status of Women Bev Oda states that monies once set aside in 2002 for Aboriginal languages in the amount of $172.5 million will not be disbursed as originally planned and, in fact, is being removed from the fiscal framework.
While $12.5 million has been disbursed to date, the remaining $160 million remains outstanding. Minister Oda affirms that $5 million of new permanent funding will be allocated to "Aboriginal languages while they are considered in the wider context of the new government's approach to meeting the needs of Aboriginal peoples."
Minister Oda informed CCOL Chair Chief Bill Cranmer of her unilateral decision that the languages funding is expected to be renewed for the next ten years at $5 million per year for a total of $50 million. This represents a significant reduction from the original $172.5 million originally set aside.
This unilateral decision flies in the face of Federal Government-First Nations Political Accord. This decision demonstrates the lack of good faith on behalf of Canadian Heritage as the Chiefs Committee has been in negotiations with Canadian Heritage officials on the rollout of the remaining $160 million.
The Chiefs Committee want guarantees that the $160 M is in fact still on the table and that the Department of Canadian Heritage is willing to work with the Chiefs Committee to ensure that the funds are used to revitalize, preserve and maintain of First Nations Languages.
Chief Bill Cranmer indicated his grave concern for languages today. "We need to act on this immediately. First Nations languages are dying everyday with the passing of our elders and speakers. For government to delay the funding once again is not only shameful and disrespectful but it also hurts First Nations to the core of our existence."
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229, Cell.: (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca/
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First Nations seek clarification on status of $160 million in Aboriginal language funding
OTTAWA, Nov. 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine calls upon Heritage Minister Bev Oda to assure First Nations that $160 million in Aboriginal language funding will still be available for First Nations languages. In a conversation with the Minister, the National Chief was led to believe the funding is no longer on the table. Conflicting messages from officials at Canadian Heritage have created even more uncertainty.
"Preserving our languages, our way of life, is a sacred trust that must never be broken," said AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine. "We consider the loss of any language funding as a direct attack on First Nations. Language is the very foundation of our cultures and traditions, and it is the key to our identity as First Nations peoples."
"Based on the 2002 allocation of $172.5 million, many First Nations communities have been preparing proposals and work plans so they can enhance their activities around preserving and teaching their languages and culture," noted the National Chief. "We are, therefore, very surprised by the Minister's comments."
"First Nations languages are indigenous to this country and they must be preserved to ensure that they can flourish for current and future generations," commented the National Chief. "Many of our people suffer from the intergenerational effects of the federal government's decades-long policies concerning residential schools. Studies by BC Professors Michael Chandler and Chris Lalonde have shown that where our languages and cultures are thriving, so are the communities. People are happier and healthier -- there are few or no suicides.
"We sincerely hope that this "re-allocation" of $160 million in funding will result in even more than the original amount in order to further strengthen and preserve our languages," commented the National Chief. "From the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, a decade ago, to last year's First Ministers Meeting in Kelowna, to Conservative party policy, recommendations and commitments were made to preserving and teaching First Nations language for future generations. The federal government should demonstrate the honour of the Crown and fulfill its obligations to help preserve and revitalize First Nations languages and cultures. It is important to Canada's identity."
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.
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/For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789, ext. 229, Cell (613) 293-6106, bhendry@afn.ca/