Yellowknife (May 01/06) - First Nations across the Territories hope a landmark court ruling renews interest in their struggle to protect fading aboriginal languages.

Last week, a territorial Supreme Court Justice ordered the government to provide French-language services across the NWT - a decision that capped a seven-year legal battle.

The Federation franco-tenoise, representing the NWT's 1,000-plus francophones, successfully argued the territorial government had violated its own langauge laws by providing most services exclusively in English.

"If you open one door, you have to open all doors," said Liz Hansen, a councillor from the Nihtat Gwich'in First Nation in Inuvik.

In a decision released Tuesday morning, Justice J.M. Moreau said the government had failed the minority French community, which faces possible assimilation.

"The GNWT has demonstrated a persistent refusal to adopt a comprehensive plan in the face of numerous specific recommendations made by consultants, language commissioners and (a) special legislative committee," she wrote.

Moreau ordered the government to staff hospitals with French-speaking nurses and doctors; advertise job postings, tenders and notices in French newspapers; create a French-language exam for people applying for bilingual government positions and translate the official transcript of the Legislative Assembly.

If aboriginal groups insist on the same treatment for their languages, the ruling could have dramatic impact on the way the government does business.

"All hell would break loose," said Herb Norwegian, Grand Chief of the Dehcho First Nations.

Dehcho residents could demand Dene-language services at the licence bureau, the post office and even insist stop signs be written in South Slavey, he said.

"The First Nations are just as important. Maybe even more important."

That sentiment was echoed by Charlie Furlong, chief of Ehdiitat Gwich'in Council in Aklavik.

"It comes as a shock and disappointment that aboriginal languages are not recognized in the same way," said Furlong Thursday.

"After all, we were the first people here."

Some First Nation dialects are in danger of fading away and Furlong and Norwegian both want to see more money poured into language programs.

Meanwhile, French-speakers celebrated the landmark ruling this week, despite the fact Moreau threw out their claim for $26 million in damages.

"This is a great victory for the community and minority francophones across the country," said Fernand Dernault, president of the Federation franco-tenoise.

"This is a condemnation of the attitudes and actions of the territorial government."

Premier Joe Handley and his cabinet are now reviewing the 200-page decision, but it could be some time before the government is prepared to comment on its specifics.

Minister of Education and Culture, Charles Dent, said the ruling - which, aside from a seven-page summary, is written in French - needs to be translated because most officials do not read the language well enough. The government, though, remains focused on all official languages, he said. It pumps about $10 million annually into education programs and has a several groups focused of revitalizing First Nation dialects.

"We are always looking at ways to work with communities," he said. "But it is a real challenge to find aboriginal language speakers in some places."

Both sides have 30 days to appeal Moreau's ruling.