AFN sees language as step to self-gov't

Page 2

National

A move to enshrine Aboriginal language as Canadian founding languages is being undertaken by the Assembly of First Nations in the hope that a revival of indigenous languages will have far reaching consequences on Native self-determination.

The co-ordinator of a language conference to be held in Ottawa Jan. 19 to 21 says the assembly is taking its cue from the province of Quebec which encouraged the official use of French in schools, street signs, advertising and in government.

This resurgence of the French language and pride in their ancestry led to the formation of Parti Quebecois, which demanded self-determination and independence.

"Now Quebec's right as a distinct society has been enshrined in the Constitution," says coordinator Brian Luckes. "And no one denies that Quebecers are a distinct society."

"The basic idea of self-government has got to be more than an Indian card," he added, saying the language and culture have to be emphasized.

Currently only English and French share the status of founding languages. Other languages such as Gaelic (Scottish) Ukranian, Cree and Blackfoot are considered heritage languages. Luckes and others say that Aboriginal languages should enjoy the same status as English and French.

As founding languages English and French are used in government and court proceedings whereas heritage languages are only used for culture activities.

Luckes would like to change all that as well as look into the jurisdiction of Aboriginal languages. Currently funding for language programs is negotiated with the Department of Indian Affairs, but if Aboriginal languages become founding languages they would be under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State.

Luckes is also concerned over a recent report from Ottawa's museum of civilization that states only three Aboriginal languages (Cree, Ojibwa and Inuktitut) will be in active use in ten years time.

According to the report eight are facing extinction as they each have less than ten speakers, 29 are in rapid deterioration due to fewer younger speakers and 13 are moderately endangered.

"That is really scary," he says. "Try to imagine no Slavey, no Chipewyan, no Blackfoot. We have to do something now so our grandchildren can learn our languages ? we have to get people thinking about this.

The assembly conference will look into practical ways for continued language research and retention and it will provide a forum to express views on proposed government language policies. Luckes says the assembly's position is that Aboriginal language preservation is "not an option or privilege, but a fundamental and inalienable collective right that ought to be granted constitutional protection.

During the conference an Alberta delegation will conduct the opening ceremonies during the second day. According to Buff Parry, administration director of the Dr. Anne Anderson Native Heritage and Cultural Centre, the details have not been finalized but the opening prayers will be performed in Cree by Dr. Anderson and in Chipewyan by Ernestine Gibot. Shannon McConnell, a 14 year old student of both Elders, will then address the conference in both languages. Shinokta or Wekimasikun, a natural fungus found at the base of the willow tree will then be burned.

Parry says he will be addressing the conference on what he called the Sequoyak principal. Sequoyak was a Cherokee chief who is attributed by many as the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet. Sequoyak's secret society and was revealed to the whole tribe so they could have their own confidential communication system that no white man was to learn.

"The same is said of the Rev. James Evans who many think invented the Cree Syllabics. We know Evans did not invent the script but yet it is often accepted that he did . . . we have to deal with the obstructions that prevent accurate history from emerging," he said.

Parry is recommending that the assembly look into the problem of inaccurate written histry with an eye to re-writing the history books where necessary.

Other Albertans who will be attending the conference include Ermineskin primary school principal Grace Buffalo and Pearl Ducharme of the Prince Charles elementary school in Edmonton.

The conference will take place in Ottawa's Skyline Hotel.