Indigenous Languages

"The objective of the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) is to support the preservation and revitalization of Aboriginal languages for the benefit of Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians."

"Languages are a gift from the Creator which carry with them unique and irreplaceable values and spiritual beliefs that allow speakers to relate with their ancestors and to take part in sacred ceremonies. It is our vision that the present generation recover and strengthen the ability to speak these sacred, living languages and pass them on so that the seventh and future generations will be fluent in them."

"As language issues are central to all fields in UNESCO’s mandate, the Organization promotes an interdisciplinary approach to multilingualism and linguistic diversity involving all programme sectors: education, culture, science, communication and information and social and human sciences."

"ANA believes language revitalization and continuation are two of the first steps taken in preserving and strengthening a community’s culture. Use of native language builds identity and encourages communities to move toward social unity and self-sufficiency.".