Aboriginal Languages Initiative: the Government of Canada Supports Kina8at's Activities for Youth

The Government of Canada supports the preservation, promotion and revitalization of First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative

DEUX-MONTAGNES, QC, July 11, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has prioritized the preservation, promotion and revitalization of Indigenous languages, which are essential to advancing reconciliation.

Today the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced that the Government of Canada is providing $350,438 ($163,076 in 2018–19 and $187,362 in 2019–20) to the non-profit organization Kina8at to allow it to continue offering language camps for youth. This support is provided through Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Languages Initiative.

Kina8at offers a range of training, consciousness-raising and healing programs inspired by First Nations philosophy and traditions. Its mission is to facilitate healing and cultural reconnection among First Nations, and to support reconciliation and the sharing of Indigenous cultures with all.

The funding announced today will allow Kina8at to continue producing language training resources in Algonquin and Atikamekw, as well as offer its Asipan language camps. In addition to promoting the transmission of language and culture, these multi-year activities promote reconciliation and cultural reappropriation.

Quotes

"Preserving, promoting and revitalizing Indigenous languages is a crucial part of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Today's announcement is another example of how our government is continuing on this path, so that Indigenous languages and cultures remain alive and well throughout the country."

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Kina8at is delighted with the support of Canadian Heritage. The objective of our work is to empower Indigenous people through the language and culture of their ancestors. We also value reconciliation in all its forms, and the Asipan language camps are a golden opportunity to contribute to this rapprochement."

—Marie-Josée Tardif, Co-Founder, Kina8at

Quick Facts

As part of Budget 2017, the Government of Canada invested $89.9 million over three years to preserve, promote and revitalize Aboriginal languages and cultures. Of this amount, $69 million will be used to significantly improve the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI).

With this new funding, the ALI will have a maximum annual envelope of $19 million to support project delivery.

The ALI, a component of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program administered by Canadian Heritage, supports the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages. It funds community projects and activities ranging from developing resources in an Indigenous language to language courses, and developing strategies to preserve them.

Associated Links

Aboriginal Languages Initiative

SOURCE Canadian Heritage