Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Translation unavailable].
Mr. Speaker, in the NWT, February is the Indigenous Languages Month which was first celebrated in the NWT in 1993 as one designated day; however, the NWT's first Language Commissioner recommended, based on feedback from NWT residents, that the territory devote more than just one day to celebrate the importance of languages within our society. Since then, the NWT remains the only jurisdiction in the country with an entire month celebrating the Indigenous languages. The NWT is also the only jurisdiction that has 11 official languages.
Mr. Speaker, while these are positive facts to be proud of, there are aspects within our government regarding the availability of services in the Indigenous languages that are lacking and need to be improved. For example, there are numerous anecdotal stories of Indigenous people seeking medical care from Stanton Hospital, or other health centres, where they encountered language barriers and therefore cannot receive the proper treatment they need. I have heard from staff and patients alike that interpreter services are not always readily available when needed.
Mr. Speaker, there are still many elders who do not speak English fluently, if at all, and they need support in getting their needs met within all our government services. This is also a problem for some residents who leave their home communities due to medical travel, especially when they are sent to Edmonton where it's even harder to obtain interpreter services for medical appointments.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, on the topic of Indigenous languages there are many medical terminologies along with legal words regarding the law and with some political and economic terms that still need to be translated within the nine official languages in the NWT.
Mr. Speaker, constituents have asked me whether our government will receive the accredited interpreter training program for Indigenous languages that used to be offered at Aurora College in the '90s. I am seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
That program though, to the dismay of many Indigenous people, was cut 28 years ago and nothing like it has ever replaced it.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, keeping Indigenous languages alive and healthy in the North is very important, and we must act to help revitalize and protect them before it's too late. I will have questions for the Minister of ECE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from the Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Tu NedheWiilideh
