MLA Advocates Protection of Aboriginal Languages

02-Nov-2009

Whitehorse: Darius Elias, MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin, is championing the recognition and protection of
aboriginal languages in the Yukon.

“Aboriginal languages and cultures have contributed richly to Yukon’s history and our way-of-life today,” Elias said.

“Yukoners are blessed with a diverse linguistic heritage. Unfortunately, it’s a heritage that is under threat because some aboriginal languages are becoming more and more endangered.”

Recognizing the immediacy of the threat, on the opening day of the Legislative Assembly’s fall sitting, Elias urged all MLAs to take action on aboriginal languages. He called on all MLAs to establish an independent, non-partisan Commission on Yukon Aboriginal Language Protection to canvas Yukoners about how aboriginal languages should be nurtured and sustained.

Elias hopes that all the MLAs will respond to his call to action by forming the Commission, which would consult widely with members of the public and develop recommendations as to how aboriginal languages should be preserved.

“Our public government has a role to play in securing the future of our aboriginal languages, and it is my hope that a non-partisan legislative Commission will listen to Yukoners and make concrete, workable recommendations on how to do so,” Elias said.

“Our diversity is our strength,” Elias said. “Cultivating vibrant aboriginal languages not only honours the Yukon’s heritage, but also contributes to healthy, resilient communities. I look forward to a Commission being created and to its recommendations, based on what Yukoners had to say.”

For additional information contact: Shay Smart 667-5081