Question Period Note: Indigenous Languages Act

The Government acknowledges that there are no Indigenous languages that are considered to be safe in Canada, and three quarters of Indigenous languages in Canada are endangered. The Government has committed to fully implementing the Indigenous Languages Act in order to preserve, promote and revitalize Indigenous languages in Canada, with long-term predictable and sufficient funding to support the implementation of the Act.

• Canadian Heritage is working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples to implement the Indigenous Languages Act.
• In Budget 2021, our Government proposed an additional $275 million over five years to support the ongoing community-based efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize and strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures.
• This significant investment recognizes the importance of Indigenous languages as a foundation for culture, identity and belonging and will support more Indigenous communities in their efforts to revitalize their languages.

• On June 21, 2019, the Indigenous Languages Act (the Act) received Royal Assent, with the overall purpose of supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages.
• The Act responds to Calls to Action 13, 14 and 15 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and was developed with First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation following extensive engagement and collaborative development work. The Act contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as it relates to Indigenous languages.
• The Act contains mechanisms to: a) support and promote the use of Indigenous languages; b) support the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages; c) establish a framework to facilitate the effective exercise of the rights of Indigenous Peoples that relate to Indigenous languages; d) establish measures to facilitate the provision of adequate, sustainable and long-term funding for the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous languages; and e) facilitate meaningful opportunities for Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations to collaborate in policy development related to the implementation of this Act. The Act also establishes the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages.
Indigenous Languages and Culture Program (ILCP)
Budget 2021
• Budget 2021 proposes to provide $275 million over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $2 million ongoing to Canadian Heritage, to support the efforts of Indigenous peoples in the reclamation, revitalization, and strengthening of Indigenous languages as a foundation for culture, identity, and belonging. Budget 2021 proposes that this funding will support various initiatives such as languages and culture camps, mentor-apprentice programs and the development of Indigenous languages resources and documentation. The funding proposed in Budget 2021 is in addition to existing funding levels.
• We will continue to work closely with internal partners to get a better understanding of the details of the budget announcement.

Budget 2019
• Budget 2019 provided $333.7 million over five years and $115.7 million ongoing to support the preservation, promotion and revitalization of Indigenous languages and the implementation of the Act respecting Indigenous languages.
• Budget 2019 breakdown: 2019/2020 ($15 million); 2020/2021 ($44.1 million); 2021/2022 ($71.6 million); 2022/2023 ($87.2 million); and 2023/2024 ($115.7 million – ongoing).
• Budget 2019 funds are in addition to existing funds that support Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting ($8 million/year) and three Territorial Language Agreements (total $12.1 million – NU $5.1 million, NWT $5.9 million & YT $1.1 million).
• The ILCP funds the following components:
• Indigenous Languages Component: project funding for community-driven activities to support the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous languages.
• Territorial Languages Agreements: supports Territorial Governments for the delivery of services in Indigenous Languages.
• Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting: funds Indigenous broadcasting societies to produce and distribute Indigenous radio and video content in the North.
• National Indigenous Peoples Day: supports activities around National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, so that Canadians can recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diversity of cultures and exceptional contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
• Scholarship and Youth Initiatives and the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (Indspire): supports scholarships, career fairs and youth initiatives that aim to improve skills, knowledge and leadership while enhancing cultural identity.
• ILCP funding will also support the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages mandated to support the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen Indigenous languages, promote Indigenous languages, support innovative projects, conduct or support research or studies and facilitate the resolution of disputes and complaints.

Recent Activity

• Number of applications: in 2021-2022, 524 applications for funding were received totaling approximately $85 million in requests.
• In 2020-2021, the total amount requested was approximately $80 million, and in 2019-2020, the total amount requested was approximately $30 million.
• For the first time in the history of this funding program, PCH established distinctions-based Indigenous Review Committees to make recommendations to PCH on applications for program funding. These committees were established with the support of the three National Indigenous Organizations, and include a First Nation, Métis Nation and Inuit Review Committee.

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