Indigenous Languages Act
The Indigenous Languages Act (French: Loi sur les langues autochtones) is a Canadian federal law designed to protect, promote, revive and revitalise indigenous languages in Canada.[1] HistoryThe Truth and Reconcilliation Commission recommended an "Aboriginal Languages Act".[2] The act was given royal assent on Indigenous People's Day.[3] ProvisionThe act establishes the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages.[4] The act gives federal institutions the power to give their own documents translations or provide interpretation.[5] CriticismLack of rightsThe act has been criticised by multiple organisations representing indigenous people for not providing rights relating to accessing healthcare, education and justice.[3][6] Organisations, including Elections Canada, may provide services or documents in an indigenous language, but there is no mandate for linguistic accommodation, meaning the measures are discretionary without any guarantees.[7] InuitThe act was criticised by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the land-claim organization representing Inuit in Nunavut, as being inadequate for lacking provisions relating to accessing public services, which had been seen as "something Inuit have wanted to see".[3] According to the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, National Representational Organization Protecting and Advancing the Rights and Interests of Inuit in Canada, unlike provincial and territorial languages commissioners, "the national indigenous languages commissioner will be a poweless advocacy body".[4] References
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