We declare that, to truly celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada in 2017
The Crown and Her Federal Government must formally acknowledge, without the need for litigation,
that section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982 includes Indigenous Linguistic Rights.
(See Appendix A for discussion)
The Crown and Her Federal government must enact an Indigenous Languages Act. In doing so,
it can be guided by the Report of the 2005 Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures,
which responds to each of the five principles required by the TRC Report. (See Appendix B
for discussion)
The Crown and Her Federal Government in enacting an Indigenous Language Act must create an
Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, with three national Indigenous
Language Commissioners, one for the First Nations, one for the Inuit, and one for the Metis, with an ancillary staff complement comparable to that of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, and a Commissioner’s representative located in each Indigenous Nation and/or Territory to assist with the carrying out of the intent of the Indigenous Language Act. (See Appendix C for discussion)
All of the above recommendations are subject to consultation with the three Aboriginal groups,
First Nations, Inuit and Metis as identified in the Constitution Act, 1982, in a manner which
respects the principle of free, prior and informed consent.
Secondary Institutions, we further declare that:
1. Post-secondary Institutions must develop collaborative
funding models to support Indigenous language initiatives open to research, pedagogy,
and partnerships.
2. TRC Committees must be established in all postsecondary institutions
3. Post-secondary institutions must engage in Community building: both inside the university and between the institution and Indigenous communities and Indigenous community-based organizations
4. Varying qualifications and credentials of Indigenous people must be recognized and honoured
5. There must be cross-training and collaboration across university administrations, programs and
faculty
6. Post-secondary institutions must develop programs in Indigenous language studies with a
view to promoting full oral proficiency and literacy in Indigenous languages, with certification through college and university diplomas and degrees in Indigenous languages.
There must be Indigenous Cultural Competency Training for all post-secondary institutions which
would include Governors/Regents, Administration, Faculty and Staff
