Mr. Speaker, at a meeting in 1989, the Assembly of First Nations expressed concern over the use and preservation of aboriginal languages in Canada and the need to entrench aboriginal language rights in the Canadian Constitution.
Every year since that meeting, March 31 has been celebrated as aboriginal languages day - a day that is set aside to recognize and appreciate the survival and richness of aboriginal languages. This is a celebration that receives the full support of the Government of the Northwest Territories and the people it represents.
In the Northwest Territories, Mr. Speaker, the government and the Legislative Assembly took steps, a number of years ago to pass a Languages Act that recognizes aboriginal languages, as well as English and French, as official languages.
This recognition is something that is not in place in other Canadian jurisdictions and today would be a good time to remind people throughout this country of the importance of promoting and preserving aboriginal languages.
The survival of aboriginal languages requires the support and encouragement of elders, parents, schools, communities and all levels of government. All of us share a responsibility for the future of our languages.
In conclusion, it is appropriate for all Members of the Legislative Assembly to recognize the important work and dedication displayed by the members of the language bureau who make it possible for this House to operate in all the official languages of the Northwest Territories. Thank you.
---Applause