Minister Aglukkaq Announces Support for an Aboriginal Language Application

PANGNIRTUNG, NUNAVUT--(Marketwired - Dec. 30, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada is providing the Pinnguaq Association with $82,859 to expand its Inuktitut mobile application "Singuistics" by adding four new languages: Cree, Ojibwe, Dene and Mi'kmaq. This funding is provided through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative.

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Minister for the Arctic Council and Member of Parliament (Nunavut), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• The expansion of the Singuistics mobile application will include 3 traditional songs for each language for a total of 12 new traditional songs. Each will be accompanied by detailed language lessons and authentic artwork designed to interpret the song.
• The mobile application will be targeted to learners in communities in the Northwest Territories, as well as a many communities in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick.
• The Pinnguaq Association is a non-profit Aboriginal organization located in Pangnirtung, Nunavut. It provides high-quality experiences in Inuktitut through the use of technology and embracing game design and culture.
• The Aboriginal Languages Initiative supports community-based language projects that contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Aboriginal languages.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes the importance of Aboriginal cultures and languages for Aboriginal communities and for all Canadians. We are pleased to support Aboriginal organizations in their efforts to develop and enhance community-based learning initiatives."

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

"Our Government is proud to invest in new technology that will help strengthen the cultural identity of Nunavummiut. I would like to commend the Pinnguaq Association for developing new interactive tools to support the preservation of Aboriginal languages in Canada."

-The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Minister for the Arctic Council and Member of Parliament (Nunavut)

"This support from the Government of Canada will help the Pinnguaq Association to develop an innovative and interactive learning language tool that will benefit numerous Aboriginal communities across the country. It will allow the Association to continue the important work being done to strengthen the Inuktitut language and to develop the learning of other Aboriginal languages."

-Ryan Oliver, Director, Pinnguaq Association

Associated Links

Pinnguaq Association

Aboriginal Languages Initiative

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