Government of Canada Renews Support for Aboriginal Languages Across the Country (fwd link)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

Government of Canada Renews Support for Aboriginal Languages Across the Country
http://www.einnews.com/pr-news/268379-government-of-canada-renews-support-for-aboriginal-languages-across-the-country-

The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official
Languages, today announced a three-year renewal of the Aboriginal
Languages Initiative, as well as a new formula for First Nations
languages that distributes funding according to the regional realities
of languages across Canada.

The new funding formula for First Nations languages is based on
regional distribution of these languages. First Nations organizations
active in language initiatives in provinces and territories with a
greater number of languages will have access to more funding than
those where fewer languages are found. The new formula comes into
effect on April 1, 2011.

"Language is critical to the maintenance and transmission of cultural
identity," said Minister Moore. "With the renewal of the Aboriginal
Languages Initiative, we are ensuring that support continues for First
Nations, Métis, and Inuit language revitalization."

Minister Moore also announced funding for 16 language projects in
British Columbia: 12 under the auspices of the First Peoples''
Cultural Foundation and 4 other First Nations projects.

"Ensuring that languages are seen and heard as living languages within
Aboriginal communities is essential for them to thrive," added
Minister Moore. "Our Government is committed to safeguarding these
languages and supports Aboriginal communities in their efforts to
protect and enhance them."

The Government of Canada has provided a total of $334,569 in funding
for these projects through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI)
of the Department of Canadian Heritage''s Aboriginal Peoples''
Program. The goal of ALI is to support the preservation and promotion
of Aboriginal languages for future generations of Aboriginal peoples
and other Canadians.

For a list of organizations receiving funding, see the attached backgrounder.

(This news release is available on the Internet at
www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)

BACKGROUNDER

The following British Columbia organizations are part of this funding
announcement:

Upper St''at''imc Language, Culture and Education Society, Lillooet -- $44,941

Okanagan Indian Educational Resources Society, Penticton -- $44,870

U''Mista Cultural Society, Alert Bay -- $44,100

Maya''xala''xa Youth Recreation and Culture Society, Port Hardy -- $32,328

Saulteau First Nations & Muskoti Learning Centre, Chetwynd -- $15,000

Treaty 8 Tribal Association, Fort St. John -- $15,000

Tsay Keh Dene, Prince George -- $15,000

West Moberly First Nation, Moberly Lake -- $15,000

Taku River Tlingit First Nations, Atlin -- $14,968

Coqualeetza Cultural Education Centre, Chilliwack -- $14,910

Salk''uz First Nation, Vanderhoof -- $14,708

NAMGIS First Nation / T''lisalagi''lakw School, Alert Bay -- $14,335

Kwantlen First Nation, Fort Langley -- $13,950

Cook''s Ferry Indian Band, Spences Bridge -- $13,459

Penticton Indian Band / Outma Sqilxw Cultural School, Penticton -- $12,000

Skeetchestn Indian Band, Savona -- $10,000

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
Codie Taylor - Press Secretary
819-997-7788
Canadian Heritage
Media Relations
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media at pch.gc.ca