Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today focuses on supporting the vitality of the Weledeh language and the need for flexible and effective language support programs.
Akaitcho people in my Weledeh riding don’t speak Tlicho or Chipewyan. They speak Weledeh, which is a unique amalgam of the two languages. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation has long been on the record calling for official recognition of Weledeh and I support this aspiration.
Weledeh speaking elders talk about the confusion that results when it is assumed that Tlicho translation can stand in for Weledeh translation. One recalled at an environmental hearing where elders talking about putting their “hooks” in the lake to fish was translated as putting “berries” in the lake. The differences from other languages cause more than occasional misunderstandings.
I’ve been working with the Minister to ensure that children attending the Mildred Hall School are taught Weledeh, not Chipewyan or Tlicho. Classroom instruction mustn’t confuse children and teach them a language their parents don’t use or improper use or pronunciation of language terms. We need to ensure that when the local aboriginal language is taught in Yellowknife schools, we’re talking Weledeh.
Funding support has also been a problem. Locally, ECE distributes funding to support community language programs through the Tlicho and Akaitcho governments. Limited funds for Weledeh programs trickle off these two pots in small, random amounts, sometimes too late in the fiscal year to be used to best effect. The Minister has committed to improving distribution of funds to Weledeh and my constituents look forward to that.
Finally, there is a continuing problem of training certified language instructors and granting them credentials. I have told this Assembly that only two course modules are offered each year and that because 20 course credits are needed for certification, it takes 10 years to amass needed credits. Moreover, we still lack recognized evaluators who can certify, so even those who have stuck it out for the 10 years can’t get the certification required for the well-paying jobs. This problem has been pointed out for years and we need action now.
We’ve made some progress in ensuring that languages, the basis of all cultures, are protected and promoted. Let’s now get more effective with our programs and dollars delivered at the community level.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The honourable Member for Great Slave, Mr. Abernethy.
