Languages

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) complied with all requests from Canadian Heritage to provide reporting for the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) and the Critically Endangered Languages (CEL). Following an intensive file audit, it was determined that Canadian Heritage owed the AFN over $1 million. Reporting was successfully completed in August 2010 and the funds received have been paid against the outstanding language expenses from previous fiscal years. 

It is noted that Canadian Heritage has removed the AFN as a Third Party Manager for the ALI and no longer receives funding for this file. However, language activities are still being carried out by the AFN:

• The AFN hosted a Special Evening Session on Languages on July 20, 2010, in Winnipeg that was well attended by leaders, youth, Elders, teachers, parents and students. A Declaration on the Right to Indigenous Languages in Canada was drafted from input of those in attendance – stressing that urgent action is needed.
• The AFN has organized three conference calls (October 19, November 10 and November 19) with language champions to develop a coherent plan to identify immediate actions for the AFN, which have been included in a draft resolution for consideration at the Special Chiefs Assembly.
• A Discussion Session on Languages will be held December 13 just prior to the Special Chiefs Assembly to review the Languages resolution going forward.