Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River Reserve (Oct 07/02) - The public has had its final say on how aboriginal languages should be protected and promoted in the NWT.

Ann Biscaye, an interpreter/translator from Fort Resolution, stands in front of a multi-language sign at a workshop last week on the Hay River Reserve. The notice reads: Special Committee on the Review of the Official Languages Act. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

About 60 delegates gathered on the Hay River Reserve Oct. 1-2 for the last workshop before a report is prepared by a special committee reviewing the territory's Official Languages Act.

There are eight official languages in the NWT.

"This is a culmination of all the committee meetings we had," said chairperson Steven Nitah, the MLA for Tu Nedhe.

Nitah said the messages have been consistent since the committee began its work last year, explaining nine strategic directions for change were accepted by the conference with minor changes.

Prominent among the strategic directions are a stronger Official Languages Act, language rights in the Education Act and more funding for aboriginal and French language services.

Nitah says one desire is mandatory aboriginal language instruction in schools, beginning with kindergarten through Grade 3.

Quasi-government group proposed

There was also a suggestion to have an organization devoted to language at arms-length from the GNWT, similar to the housing corporation.

"Obviously, there is need for a campaign to create awareness to dispel the myth that by learning an aboriginal language you hinder your ability to participate in the Western economic world," Nitah added. "Studies have shown the opposite is true."

Nitah said the report, which will be presented to the legislative assembly in the spring, will include a budget for any changes to the Official Languages Act and the Education Act.

Sabet Biscaye, the regional language co-ordinator with the Akaitcho Territory, said the committee's progress report is a good start. "We've taken that and we've said this is what else you need to do in order to take it a little bit further."

While noting the suggestions might be a bit ambitious, she said, "That doesn't mean they should hold back. They could articulate it in recommendations. But it may go over and above their own mandate, so I don't know how much of it can be implemented."

For example, she pointed to mandatory aboriginal language instruction in schools.

"If we are really serious about maintaining our languages, we have to make sure it takes in all aspects, and education is a very important component of it."

Biscaye noted the conference also agreed public awareness efforts are needed to let people know their rights under the act and the office of the language commissioner should be strengthened.

Millie Thrasher, a delegate from Paulatuk, felt the conference was very productive.

"But there's a lot of work to be done to get our languages back."

Thrasher said she is hopeful the committee's report will make a difference.