Madam Speaker, our languages make us who we are as individuals and as a society. Today I would like to talk about service improvements and revitalization efforts for the Northwest Territories official languages.
Recently we concluded the consultation phase of the French Languages Plan. The Fédération Franco-TéNOise is reviewing it and we hope to share it with Members of this Assembly very soon.
The Francophone Affairs Secretariat officially opened in April and is planning for possible inclusion in next year’s business plan, working with all government departments. We are also doing the early planning for an Aboriginal languages secretariat, an important part of the Aboriginal Languages Plan. We hope to include it in next year’s business plan. As well, we are hosting the second Aboriginal Languages Symposium next spring, and are beginning the planning process.
In partnership with the Yamozha Kue Society and district education councils, ECE led the development of several language learning apps for iPads and iPhones. They are available for free on iTunes and use games and teaching techniques to help people learn the basics of the NWT Dene languages. Future apps will feature Cree and Inuit languages. As well, the department supported the new Chipewyan dictionary produced in Fort Resolution. This 369-page resource was truly a collaborative effort, with education and language specialists, elders and youth involved.
I will be developing amendments to the Official Languages Act. In accordance with the wishes of the Dehcho First Nation we will rename the South Slavey language to Dehcho Dene. We will also eliminate the Official Languages Board.
Madam Speaker, I look forward to updating this House on our progress over the coming months. Mahsi.
