Funding opens dialogue for B.C.Â’s First Nations (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Funding opens dialogue for B.C.’s First Nations
By richard rolke Morning Star Staff Apr 02 2006
http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=35&cat=43&id=620365&more=
It’s hoped new funding will bring some First Nations languages back from the
brink of extinction. The provincial government is targeting $1 million towards
the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council. “It’s an
important investment,” said Tom Christensen, Okanagan Vernon MLA and
aboriginal relations minister. There are 32 aboriginal languages across the
province, but many are in jeopardy of disappearing. “We’ve seen some
resurgence with some languages but given the small number of speakers with
some, it’s a challenge to preserve the languages and build on it,” said
Christensen. Christensen blames the current situation on residential schools
and past societal views towards aboriginals. “One of the most tragic legacies
of society’s approaches to aboriginal people was the deliberate effort to get
them to not speak their language,” he said. Christensen says most people
should consider how they would feel if they couldn’t speak English and it was
threatened. “Language adds incredible societal value of recognizing who that
First Nation is,” he said. The council dedicates $600,000 annually for
projects revitalizing aboriginal languages through documentation, language
classes, immersion programs and curriculum development. The additional funds
will be used to support activities such as language immersion programs,
expansion of First Voices technology, and examining the feasibility of a B.C.
First Nations’ arts and languages centre. Christensen hopes the Okanagan
Nation will access the funds. “There is good work already being done with the
Okanagan Nation.” While the funding is directed towards First Nations,
Christensen is convinced all British Columbians will benefit. “We’re able to
celebrate the diversity of the First Nations and that makes us richer as a
collective people,” he said. 
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