I recently watched a CTV news story on the 2011 Census, which brought up some interesting new statistics on the languages spoken in Canada. While I was pleased to see that Canada remains as multi-cultural as ever, one segment of the population seems to be struggling. Our country's first languages - the Indigenous Languages are struggling.
Watch story here -
CTV News Story - Losing languages: 2011 census finds indigenous languages struggling
The reasons given for the struggle include past policies that removed Indigenous Language from the school and community as well as a higher value placed on the two 'official' languages. One can easily understand why these languages continue to struggle.
However, I was pleased to hear from the guest speaker - Lorna Williams, the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge and Learning at the University of Victoria, that there is good work being done in communities across Canada to preserve and strengthen our Indigenous Languages.
To continue and strengthen this good work, I was recently made aware of a new Call for Proposals for the Aboriginal Languages Initiative of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
The Aboriginal Languages Initiative supports community-based projects that contribute to the preservation and revitalization of Aboriginal languages in Canada. If you are interested in applying, please visit www.pch.gc.ca/aboriginal and click on 'Apply for Funding'. You can also contact them at autochtone-aboriginal@pch.gc.ca or 1-819-994-3835. But hurry - eligible applications must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 12, 2012.
If your community has an interesting project that has been implemented to help preserve your language - I would love to hear about it and share it on our blog. Let us know of the good work you're doing!!!
Jessica
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Workshop - My Community First!
Considering partnerships with the Mining, Forestry, Hydro or Oil and Gas Industry?
My Community First is a dynamic half-day
workshop that provides Community Leaders with the tools and resources required
for your community to have control with potential partnerships.
Participants will learn how to use a
community driven process that can balance economic empowerment with cultural
and environmental values.
Walk away with innovative tools that
will help you in determining if potential partnerships are right for your
community, ultimately saving you valuable time and money.
The workshop will be facilitated by
Clinton Belcher who will share relevant examples of best practices and will empower
participants through interactive learning activities.
- Reflecting on Success and avoiding Pitfalls
- Recognizing the Opportunities and mitigating the Challenges
- Preparing your Champions and empowering your Leadership
- Engaging your Community by using the Right Tools
- Moving Forward with a Sustainable Plan
Register today for My Community First in a city near you!
November 30, 2012 – Vancouver, BC
December 6, 2012 – Edmonton, AB
December 7, 2012 – Calgary, AB
Limited
space available – Register Now!
Early Bird Registration before November 2nd
for only $249
After November 2nd - $295
Registration includes continental breakfast.
For more
details or to register contact CES at
1-877-444-5550
or info@cesclients.com
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