Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories has made a commitment in its mandate to strengthen culture and heritage in the NWT by working with stakeholders to update the 2010 NWT Aboriginal Languages Plan: A Shared Responsibility.
As we all know, there are nine official Aboriginal languages spoken throughout the Northwest Territories. Most of these languages are in a critical state and in real danger of disappearing over the next few decades. As our territory loses its elders, we find ourselves in a serious situation with fewer proficient, fluent speakers able to teach these traditional languages to our young people. Culture and language are closely connected, and while we see pockets of success throughout the territory, there needs to be a far greater focus from everybody on preserving and revitalizing these languages.
An updated NWT Aboriginal Languages Framework and Action Plan will reflect the government's new partnership approach to language revitalization, where regional Aboriginal governments are funded and responsible for managing their own language revitalization efforts. The updated plan will also better capture the advice and recommendations gathered from Northerners and territorial language committees over many years. It will also include measures to ensure all partners in language revitalization remain accountable.
Mr. Speaker, languages are the foundation on which cultures are created. Language is integral to healthy communities, individual self-esteem and the growth and development of our people. Through the use of languages, people express their unique world-view, value and self-worth. Language helps people define relationships and collect and share knowledge. The updated plan's vision is an NWT where Aboriginal languages are supported, respected and thriving to be celebrated by all people. This vision speaks to every NWT resident. Everyone has a role to play in preserving, promoting and celebrating the NWT’s Aboriginal languages.
We are continuing to seek input to update the plan from language partners, including the Aboriginal Languages Revitalization Board and the Official Languages Board. Members of both language boards have reviewed past recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Government Operations in their 2009 and 2014 reviews of the Official Languages Act and offered their recommendations for an action plan.
I will continue to seek advice from Aboriginal language partners over the coming months to ensure we build the most comprehensive framework and action plan that outlines effective approaches in the revitalization of our Aboriginal languages. I will share updates with Members as this important work progresses.
Mr. Speaker, revitalizing languages is a monumental task and one that the government cannot do alone. Revitalizing our nine Aboriginal languages can only happen when all language groups, key stakeholders and all NWT residents share the responsibility to support, respect and use Aboriginal languages. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has made this a call to action for all provinces and territories, to ensure the future of Aboriginal languages and preserve the culture of Aboriginal peoples across Canada. I look forward to tabling the updated NWT Aboriginal Languages Framework and Action Plan: A Shared Responsibility during Aboriginal Languages Month in March 2017. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.