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VICTORIA
– The Province has provided $250,000
in funding to support the electronic preservation of B.C. First Nations
languages, announced Olga Ilich, Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services.
“The FirstVoices project is vital to ensure
that First Nations languages continue to thrive in British Columbia,” said
Ilich. “Through digital technology, children will have the opportunity to learn
the language of their elders for many generations to come.”
The
project provides necessary support to digitally archive First Nations
languages, some of which are currently known only among a few First Nations
elders. Interactive teaching tools will then be accessed online by First
Nations or other persons interested in learning the traditional languages.
“This
funding will help us keep our online technology ahead of the growing demand for
the archiving and accessing of First Nations languages,” said Tyrone McNeil,
chair of the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council. “This
technology is a very important tool as we support First Nations in documenting
and revitalizing their Aboriginal languages.”
FirstVoices
will target 18 First Nations communities and provide community-based B.C. First
Nations language teams with support, nearly doubling the number of communities
benefiting from language renewal.
“This ministry funding is a good example of the
partnering that can result from the strategic investments of the New
Relationship Trust,” said Cliff Fregin, chief executive officer of the New
Relationship Trust. “In this way, we can continue to help enhance the
technology of FirstVoices in service to First Nations throughout the province.”
Network BC, a
division of Labour and Citizens’ Services dedicated to bridging the digital
divide in British Columbia, provided the funding in support of FirstVoices. It
was matched by a grant from the New Relationship Trust, which has also
designated an additional $250,000 in funding for 2009 and 2010. The New
Relationship Trust supports capacity-building for First Nations to effectively
participate in land and resource management and social programs for their
communities.
Network BC will continue to work with First
Nations, federal and community partners to further develop connectivity in
First Nations communities and bridge the digital divide.
The Province of
British Columbia is building a new relationship with First Nations, founded on
the principles of mutual respect, reconciliation and recognition of Aboriginal
rights.
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Communications Manager 250 387-0172 |
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