Koana, Mr. Speaker, qujannamiik. I want to pay tribute to the Wiilideh language and to the community leadership dedicated to its support and promotion. Wiilideh is a unique language, not Chipewyan and not Tlicho and not yet an official language. While funding support is provided for some community programs, formal efforts to preserve and promote the language rely heavily upon a determination and professionalism of community language specialists.
Thanks to the efforts of the Goyatiko Language Society under the expert leadership of Mary Rose Sundberg, great strides have been made. Goyatiko delivers Wiilideh education materials, community programs and supports, and expert advice to teaching assistants who promote languages in the schools. Volunteers provide after-school programs and the young ones attend eagerly.
In his February 14th Minister’s statement, the Education Minister spoke positively of his visit to Alaska and the programs for inclusion of elders in the schools there. The presence of elders, an established and much beloved feature in our K’alemi Dene School, a model I commend to the Minister as he researches introduction of elders programming in all our schools.
Progress has been made in piloting an Aboriginal Interpreter Translator Pilot Training Program. The purpose of the training is to establish a pool of certified Dene interpreter/translators to provide quality language services in the communities. Aurora College’s Aboriginal Language and Cultural Instructor Program is helping train and certify our next generation of language professionals.
We have placed priority on the promotion of Aboriginal languages and committees, and Members will continue to push for greater achievements. We have recognized the opportunities presented for enhancing the capacity to learn languages through a focus on the early years of child development when children lay the foundations for lifelong language skills.
Language is the basis of flourishing cultures. We in the NWT are blessed beyond all provinces and territories in having a mosaic of 11 languages; some might say 12. In national and even global terms, we enjoy a birthright to be envied and cherished. Let’s continue to treasure that richness and keep our efforts for Aboriginal language promotion strong. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Bromley. The Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
