(March 31, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – On National Indigenous Languages Day, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is calling on the next Government of Canada to commit adequate funds needed for the promotion and revitalization of First Nations languages.
“National Indigenous Languages Day is an important occasion for us to celebrate and cherish First Nations languages, which are the foundation of our identity, culture, knowledge, shared history, and traditions,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “After the December 2024 AFN Special Chiefs Assembly, the AFN Executive passed Resolution 100/2024, Support for Increased First Nations Languages Funding, which calls on the Government of Canada to immediately address funding shortfalls by providing a $3.8 billion commitment over the next five years. Adequate funding is the first step in moving closer toward First Nations control of First Nations language revitalization. I call on all federal party leaders to affirm in their platforms how they plan to revitalize, maintain, and strengthen First Nations languages and fully implement the Indigenous Languages Act.”
“These investments are required to support revitalization initiatives and reverse language decline,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The next Government of Canada must take action to better implement Canada’s own National Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages and increase supports for First Nations to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages.”
“As we celebrate National Indigenous Languages Day, I also uplift and acknowledge all First Nations leaders, Knowledge Keepers, language experts, First Nations educators and all language revitalization champions who work tirelessly to preserve and revitalize our languages,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Your determination to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and normalize First Nations languages is instrumental in ensuring that these languages continue to thrive and flourish for generations to come.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]
Ayman Hammamieh
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
343-573-1771 (mobile)
[email protected]