New Indigenous languages law does not protect Inuit languages, leaders say – CBC

Group of academics, advocates urge federal gov’t to grant Inuktut equal standing in Nunavut

Jun 27, 2019

Inuit leaders are calling on the Canadian government to make a real commitment to protect Inuit languages, saying the recently passed Indigenous Languages Act does not really do the job.

The Indigenous Languages Act, formerly known as Bill C-91, received royal assent on National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday. It aims to “reclaim, revitalize, strengthen and maintain Indigenous languages in Canada,” according to a government news release.

The law was developed in response to recommendations from the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission and elements from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The federal government has said it adopted a “collaborative approach” with Indigenous peoples in developing the legislation.