Province creates program at Calgary Library to preserve Indigenous languages

CALGARY — The province has announced a new program at the Central Library in Calgary aimed at preserving Indigenous languages.

The Alberta government will be investing $1 million to create Calgary’s first ever Indigenous Languages Resource Centre. The money from the province will help with the acquisition of language resources and create programming aimed at preserving Indigenous culture and heritage.

“The future well-being of Indigenous culture rests in the sharing of Indigenous voices and stories both within communities and with people across Alberta and the rest of Canada,” said Premier Rachel Notley in a news release. “We are committed to supporting Indigenous language and taking steps towards reconciliation.”

The centre will feature storytelling, language learning, and Elder guidance, according to the release. Many of the materials will be available to anybody with a library card, regardless of their location.