Supporting Aboriginal Language Instruction

SELKIRK, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Nov. 10, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada is providing $21,518 in funding to the Selkirk Friendship Centre so it can continue to offer Cree, Ojibway and Michif language lessons to community members. This funding is provided through Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Languages Initiative.

James Bezan, Member of Parliament (Selkirk-Interlake), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• A total of 90 hours of lessons will be provided to 60 participants of all ages over a 10-week period. There will be 30 hours of instruction in each of the three languages.
  
• Each session will include basic words and short sentences, with a focus on pronunciation. As classes progress, students will be asked to participate in increasingly complex conversations, adapted to each participant's level of language knowledge.
  
• The Aboriginal Languages Initiative supports community-based language projects that contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Aboriginal languages and increase their use in community settings.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes the importance of First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages and cultures for Aboriginal communities and for all Canadians. We are proud to support projects that help Aboriginal people reconnect with them."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"I am pleased that support is being provided to the Selkirk Friendship Centre so it can continue its work to enhance knowledge and use of Cree, Ojibway and Michif. These language lessons will benefit the community today and for future generations."

-James Bezan, Member of Parliament (Selkirk-Interlake)

"The Selkirk Friendship Centre is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to ensure the preservation and revitalization of Aboriginal languages for the people in our community and surrounding area."

-Robin Nishibata, Executive Director, Selkirk Friendship Centre

Related Products

Member of Parliament James Bezan Announces Support for Aboriginal Languages

Associated Links

Selkirk Friendship Centre

Aboriginal Languages Initiative

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