Support for Ojibway Language Lessons

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 8, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada is providing $35,484 in funding through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative to support 765 hours of Ojibway language lessons for children and parents.

Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament (Sault Ste. Marie), made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

• A total of 696 hours of basic level Ojibway lessons will be provided to 48 preschoolers aged 2 to 5, for 29 weeks.
• To encourage continued language learning at home, 69 hours of basic level Ojibway lessons will also be offered to 20 parents over a 23-week period.
• The Aboriginal Languages Initiative supports community-based language projects that contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Aboriginal languages and increase their use in community settings.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to supporting the revitalization and preservation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis languages and cultures. They are an integral part of our country's identity. I applaud the Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre for taking on the important role of language transmission."

- The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Through this investment, children and their parents will learn and connect with the Ojibway language and culture. This will benefit them and the community today, and for years to come."

- Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament (Sault Ste. Marie)

"On behalf of the children, parents, staff and Board of Directors, we would like to say 'Miigwetch' to Canadian Heritage for helping us to provide an opportunity for our children to learn the Ojibway Language. The funding contribution will allow our children to learn the language and speak more fluently on a daily basis. 'Language' is the culture and heritage of all nations."

- Kevin Tegosh, General Manager, Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre

Associated Links

Aboriginal Languages Initiative

Waabinong Head Start Family Resource Centre

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