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VICTORIA – An innovative, Internet-based computer program designed to preserve aboriginal languages will reach more communities as a result of an additional $250,000 in provincial funding, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services Murray Coell announced today.
“We are meeting our commitment made in the throne speech to preserve and promote aboriginal languages,” said Coell. “Our heritage, diversity and inclusive society are sources of provincial pride and a strategic asset that we must maximize. The preservation of language is a key to building strong aboriginal communities.”
FirstVoices.com was launched in 2003 by an international team of aboriginal language teachers, linguists and technology specialists as an easy, interesting, cost-effective way to record and teach indigenous languages for anyone with Internet access. It provides a set of tools to archive text, sound, picture and video, and present these resources in language-teaching materials. The Province provided $450,000 to the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation to develop FirstVoices.com.
First Nations groups taking part in the project include Nuu-cha-nulth, Nitinaht, Cowichan, Saanich, Musqueam, Sto:lo and Shuswap, and aboriginal groups in Merritt, Cranbrook, Alert Bay, Kitwanga, New Aiyansh, Westbank, Port Alberni and Skidegate. The new funding will help additional communities receive training and language archiving in FirstVoices.com for one year.
“FirstVoices.com continues to expand through the generous support of the Province and a broad range of donors, both public and private, said Elmer Derrick, chair of the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation. “However, the technology behind the program must be continually upgraded and aboriginal community members need ongoing training to be able to fully realize the benefits of this important resource, which is why we are always seeking new partnerships.”
“The isolated Ktunaxa language is critically endangered and has been using FirstVoices.com as a significant tool in or language revitalization,” said Don Maki, director of the Ktunaxa Traditional Knowledge and Language Sector, Ktunaxa Kinbasket Tribal Council in Cranbrook. “It allows us to archive the language, develop additional materials and provide wonderful opportunities for language development and partnerships between elders and the youth.
The new funding comes from Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services 2004-05 budget. For more information, visit www.firstvoices.com/ online.
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Communications Director Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services 250 953-3677 |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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