Indigenous Languages Act (NWT)
Northwest Territories' Bill 30 (Indigenous Languages Act) is a sweeping update to NWT's Official Languages Act (R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c. O-1) that grants nine Indigenous languages (Chipewyan, Cree, Gwich'in, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, North Slavey, South Slavey, Tlicho) the same official status as English and French in the Northwest Territories. NWT is the only Canadian jurisdiction with 11 official languages. The Act creates funding floors for Indigenous-language education and revitalization programs, requires Indigenous-language translation of government services in communities where more than 50 percent of residents speak the language, and creates the new Indigenous Languages Commissioner of the NWT.
Status
Quick learn
Implementation legislation for service delivery in the NWT's eleven official languages (English, French, plus nine Indigenous languages). Sets standards for which government services must be offered in which languages, and on what timelines.
Issues this bill touches
- Indigenous Rights
NWT Indigenous Languages Act.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - Third reading
Final debate and vote in the originating chamber.
View source
Sponsored by
R.J. SimpsonINDEPOfficial source
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