| Summary: |
"Towards Rebirth of First Nations Languages" documents continuing efforts at the local, regional and national levels, to protect, promote and revitalize First Nations languages. The report is based on surveys of First Nations language and cultural educators and administrators, as well as First Nations and international research studies. The community surveys completed by First Nations highlight the critical state of many First Nations languages. Using fluency among Elders, adults, youth and children as a measure, just over one-quarter of the First Nations communities have strong languages. In over half of the communities, only the adults were speakers of the language. In the remaining communities there are few, if any speakers. Most communities rarely use their native language in community gatherings. The language is even less frequently used in public communications such as newsletters, radio or television. The picture of First Nations presented by the 181 respondents to the community survey is one of neglect and disarray. Responsibility for maintaining language is relegated to education departments where emphasis necessarily is on school based programs. Few have the resources to undertake school/community bridging or community education. Due to lack of long term funding and shortage of trained language specialists the vast majority of existing programs are piecemeal, available only to a small segment of the community, and do not have basic learning resources. Language co-ordinators and instructors feel isolated and are frustrated with the lack of support from the community and all levels of government. The lack of community spirit, unwillingness to participate, and bingo being a higher priority, were not uncommon views. Although there is diversity in language condition, problems encountered, and resources available, there is a shared desire to restore and strengthen the language in community and family life. |
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