Yellowknife (July 23/04) - Yellowknifers were able to voice their opinions on a proposed aboriginal languages and cultures centre earlier this month.

The Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Culture has been travelling the country since May seeking input from language experts and community members on preserving first languages.

"I have a clear sense that across the country there is a concern to address (that)," said Mary Jane Jim, the project's co-chair, during a stop at the Tree of Peace.

Jim is particularly supportive of the NWT's official recognition of aboriginal languages -- something she would like to see replicated across the country, and at best at the national level.

The task force was established in 2003 to advise on the development of the task force and its programs.

The group is not intended to be a physical centre, but a non-profit corporation that develops and facilitates programs to safeguard aboriginal language.

It will be composed predominantly of aboriginal persons, said Jim.

The catalyst for the project was a $160 million commitment from the federal government in 2002.

"The timeline is very tight," said Jim.

The task force's report is due in September, and implementation will have to begin as soon as possible.

Jim pointed out that aboriginal languages are spoken best by elders, and that even when young people learn the language they lack the elders' fluency.

The mandate of the task force is to develop a national strategy to preserve, promote and revitalize aboriginal languages. But as elders pass on, a valuable resource is lost, said Jim.

The federal government classifies three languages -- Ojibway, Cree and Inuktitut -- as safe, but Jim disagreed.

"All (aboriginal) languages are in a critical state," she said.

She said a "proactive" approach must be taken immediately.