Province invests in Indigenous language revitalization

EDMONTON –  The Alberta government as taken action to increase the number of Indigenous language instructors in the province and increase efforts to preserve and strengthen language learning in communities across the province.
 
The government has made a $665,000 grant available to the Canadian Indigenous Language and Literacy Development Institute, which is expected to help maintain Indigenous languages for Alberta students.  The money will be used to ensure instructors have the training and certification needed, to strengthen indigenous language learning in communities across the province. 

Billy Joe Laboucan, Chief of the Lubicon Lake Band, says language is crucial to indigenous communities.

“Revitalizing Indigenous languages are key to student success and recognizing the rich culture, history and identity of Canada’s First Peoples. This work is an important step in addressing the historic wrongs in education and honouring the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.”

The grant will provide greater access to Indigenous language learning for students from kindergarten to grade 12.