Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 08/98) - A vintage stove is depicted on the cover of languages commissioner Judi Tutcho's 1996/97 annual report, her office logo on the second burner. It is no coincidence.

"The government has put official languages on the back burner for too long," said Tutcho at a press conference held earlier this month to release her first annual report.

Tutcho is calling on the GNWT to develop a comprehensive framework to guide governments in language issues and provide an implementation plan regarding the policy and guidelines of official languages.

"It's something that is there, it just has to be refined," says Tutcho.

Over the past year, few complaints have reached her office, but Tutcho said she suspects the low number is due to the lack of information people have about their language rights.

The language commissioner's office has "made the act user-friendly," she said. It helps people understand their rights and increase awareness if those rights have been infringed upon.

Tutcho recommended the GNWT devise a promotional plan to recognize official languages with posters, workshops and training programs.

"When it comes to funding, the government should be there as a key player," she said.

Tutcho said she recognizes the need to preserve traditional languages and her preferred is focus is on youth.

"It's almost the 11th hour for some aboriginal languages in the NWT," said Tutcho, who would like to see aboriginal languages offered in schools from kindergarten to at least Grade 6. "Youth are the ones who are going to make it or break it in regards to keeping their language alive," said Tutcho.