GATINEAU, June 21, 2024

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages.

Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced a $269,724 investment over five years, which will support the revitalization of the Dene Zhatié, or South Slavey, language in Nahanni Butte.

The funding, from the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program, will help the Nahæâ Dehé Dene Band realize various linguistic projects promoting and documenting its language. These initiatives include the creation of a book on the community’s history as well as capturing stories from elders and community members. The funding will also allow for a language coordinator to work with community members and conduct language classes.

The inclusion of stories from elders and community members will be instrumental in enhancing people’s language skills and cultural understanding. These efforts aim to help them gain basic language knowledge while strengthening community bonds by sharing diverse stories and cultural practices.