Debates of May 31, 2005 (day 5)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I believe that the preservation of language is a critical issue for aboriginals of the Northwest Territories. A sustainable territory requires the sustainability of the land, the languages and the cultures of the aboriginal peoples of the Northwest Territories. There are aboriginal groups across North America, including Canada, producing aboriginal language developmental toys that reflect their unique language and culture as part of their language preservation and revitalization programs. One can’t overemphasize the importance of having our own development toy that reflects the characteristics and languages of specific aboriginal groups from the Northwest Territories.

Madam Speaker, for the most part, interactive development toys have not been available for aboriginal languages because the voice of the computer cartridges used to make these toys were only available for languages of over 25 million speakers. However, a Cherokee entrepreneur of the United States adapted a toy for aboriginal languages designed to teach toddlers and young children the basic sounds and words of the language. It helps to preserve the problem of aboriginal language loss by encouraging the aboriginal youth to learn and to speak their native language, but also learning second and even third languages.

The toy is designed with brightly coloured figures including animals and trees that activate the sound of a voice speaking in any aboriginal language. The toys also adapt to ensure that it’s reflective of the specific aboriginal group it’s intended for. For example, the Inuvialuit language could be used also.

Madam Speaker, I propose that the NWT language version of these toys be developed and funded under the Northern Strategy because it is consistent with the strategy’s main goals and objectives, which include to ensure that the importance of the language, traditional knowledge and the way of life is recognized and encouraged. These toys promote language and culture and are developed to recognize the diversity of language and culture and help to preserve the present for future generations. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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