Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages and Canadian Commission for UNESCO Forge Partnership to Advance Indigenous Languages
Ottawa, ON, June 26, 2024 - The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (the Commission) and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) are pleased to announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work collaboratively to promote and support Indigenous languages across Canada. Our organizations share a common goal of to supporting the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, strengthen, and maintain their languages.
The five-year MOU signed on June 19, 2024, outlines various areas of mutual interest, such as: exchanging knowledge to further common objectives concerning Indigenous languages, advocating for and enhancing awareness about the significance of Indigenous languages, and working collaboratively on initiatives like the United Nations International Decade for Indigenous Languages.
The MOU emphasizes shared values of reciprocity, respect for Indigenous self-determination, transparency, and accountability in all joint projects and initiatives. It also supports the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and advancing the goals of the United Nations International Decade for Indigenous Languages.
This MOU represents a significant step towards helping to ensure that Indigenous languages in Canada are valued, protected, and promoted. By working together with CCUNESCO, we can bring our collective expertise together to help support the important goals of the UN International Decade for Indigenous Languages.
– Dr. Ronald Ignace, Commissioner of Indigenous Languages
With over 70 Indigenous languages in Canada at different stages of revitalization, and the UN Decade of Indigenous Languages underway, this is a crucial moment for every Canadian to learn about and support endangered Indigenous languages. The protection and promotion of Indigenous languages is one of CCUNESCO's priorities, given the important role of language in safeguarding the identities of Indigenous communities. CCUNESCO is excited to enter this new collaborative relationship with the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages and eager to put meaningful initiatives in place that reflect our shared goals.
– Yves-Gérard Méhou-Loko, Secretary General, Canadian Commission for UNESCO
About the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages
On June 21, 2019, following extensive and collaborative engagement with Indigenous peoples across the country, the co-developed Indigenous Languages Act (the Act) received Royal Assent. The Act responds to Calls to Action 13, 14 and 15 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and is intended to promote and support the reclamation, revitalization, strengthening, and maintenance of Indigenous languages in Canada.
The Act recognizes, among other things, that the history of colonial and paternalistic policies and practices have directly contributed to the erosion of Indigenous languages and affirms that Indigenous language rights are Aboriginal rights under the Constitution Act 1982 that must be protected and preserved.
The Act establishes an Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (the Commission), with a Commissioner and up to three Directors appointed by the Governor in Council. The Commission is an independent organization and is not part of the federal administration.
About the Canadian Commission for UNESCO
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) serves as a bridge between Canadians and the vital work of UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Through its networks and partners, the Commission promotes UNESCO’s values, priorities and programs in Canada and brings the voices of Canadian experts to the international stage. Its activities are guided by the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other UNESCO priorities. CCUNESCO operates under the authority of the Canada Council for the Arts.
For more information, please contact:
Vanessa Poulin-Gladu
Manager, Public Affairs
613-862-1637
vanessa.poulin-gladu@ccunesco.ca