Ontario press release 

First Nations And Ontario Celebrate National Aboriginal Languages Day

March 31, 2010

The Ontario government, the Chiefs of Ontario and the Anishinaabek Mushkegowuk Onkwehon:we Language Commission of Oniatari':io (AMO) are celebrating the progress made to revitalize the province's Aboriginal languages. First Nations across the country are making the preservation of their languages a priority, recognizing its role in the health, strength and vitality of First Nation communities.

Declared by the Assembly of First Nations in 1989, National Aboriginal Languages Day is being marked by the launch of a new AMO website. It will feature an online language resource clearing house and an online community. These tools will support the AMO Language Professionals Association, a formal network for First Nation language teachers and professionals.

AMO works to preserve First Nations languages through community programs and teacher resources. The commission is also building greater awareness of the importance of Aboriginal languages to Ontario's heritage by sharing First Nation culture with non-Aboriginal Ontarians.

Visit http://www.amolco.ca

QUICK FACTS

• First Nation leaders in Ontario formed the Anishinaabek Mushkegowuk Onkwehon:we Language Commission of Oniatari':io in 2006 to support each of the 13 First Nation languages in Ontario.
   
• More than 300 indigenous languages were once spoken in what is now North America.
   
• The name 'Canada' comes from 'kanata' the Huron word for village.
   
• The name for 'Ontario' stems from a Mohawk word 'Oniatari':io', meaning beautiful lake.

LEARN MORE

• About the Anishinabeek Muskegowuk Onkwehon:we Language Commission of Oniatari':io.
• About Aboriginal languages and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs.
• About the Chiefs of Ontario. 

CONTACTS

Greg Flood
Communications Branch
416-314-9455
greg.flood@nullontario.ca

Scott Cavan
Minister's Office
416-314-7395
scott.cavan@nullontario.ca