Bill S-212: Language Revitalization and Preservation

The preservation of Indigenous languages is fundamental to protecting Indigenous culture. As far back in 1986 COO resolved to “reverse the degradation” of Indigenous languages because “the preservation of aboriginal languages is synonymous with the preservation of First Nations’ culture and the security of First Nations governments.” (Resolution 86/23) This commitment was once again reiterated in the 2017 AOCC with resolution 40/17 (First Nations’ Ownership and Control of First Nation Languages).

More recently as a result of advocacy done by COO, the PTOs, and others, the federal and provincial governments have initiated First Nations language preservation strategies.

Bill S-212 and Language Policies

In December of 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will jointly develop legislation (Bill S-212) for the revitalization and recovery of Indigenous languages. This Bill is currently at second reading in the Senate. The goal of the act is to advance the Indigenous languages of Canada, and recognize Indigenous Peoples right to use, preserve, revitalize and promote their languages. The department of Canadian Heritage confirmed that the federal government intends to table the draft legislation in the spring of 2018.

There is also funding available for Indigenous language revitalization at the Federal level through the Aboriginal Language Initiative. The purpose of this program is to preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages through community-based projects and activities.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for all Canadians to celebrate and acknowledge the distinct heritage, language, cultural practices, spiritual beliefs and valuable contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Created in 1996 through the Proclamation Declaring June 21 of Each Year as Aboriginal Day, the day came about after consultations and statements of support from;

• The Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people chaired by Elijah Harper, called for a national holiday to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous People
• The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples recommended the designation of a National First Peoples Day
• The National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) called for the creation of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day

June 21, the summer solstice, was designated as the office date. The reasoning behind this was that many Indigenous Nations traditionally celebrated their culture and heritage on or around the longest day of the year. In 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau renamed the day National Indigenous Peoples Day.

There have been arguments made that National Indigenous Peoples Day should be a statutory holiday, as taking this step would send a message of national respect and action. To date only the Northwest Territories have made this a national and regional holiday. This day is important as a tool to educate non-Indigenous Canadians about Indigenous Peoples' cultures and histories.

Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day recently made a statement supporting National Indigenous Peoples Day, and views it as an opportunity to educate Canadians on First Nations culture.