Mr. Speaker, [English translation not provided.]
Today I would like to speak about the interpreter/translator training in aboriginal languages of the Northwest Territories. Last year the Standing Committee on Government Operations visited many communities as part of the review of the Official Languages Act. In every community, people expressed concern about the lack of interpreters and translators. They were concerned as often there was no one to help people who were fluent only in their aboriginal language. Sometimes, for instance, there was no one to translate for an elder when he had to speak to a doctor or nurse, or for an elder who needs to give evidence in court.
For years the Standing Committee on Government Operations has recommended that the GNWT implement training and certification of interpreters. There have been training activities completed by the Yamozha Kue Society, however, the certification process for aboriginal interpreters/translators has not been established. In order to develop a certificate program, experts in the language are needed to assist with development and evaluation of testing materials. Unfortunately it can be very hard to find qualified evaluators.
We heard from Nunavut the importance of culture, of singing, for instance, as a means to preserve language. One’s native language holds culture within it. It holds a way of looking at the world and it holds a traditional technology of living on the land. I trust that Education, Culture and Employment will take seriously the important task of preserving and revitalizing our aboriginal languages and the significant role that interpreters and translators can play in this task.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Krutko.
