The Québec government intends to support the First Nations and Inuit in their efforts to revitalize, promote and protect Indigenous languages. It is aware that communities have primary responsibility for protecting their languages, but wants to make its own contribution. As a result, it has decided to dialog with Indigenous communities and organizations, as well as members of civil society, about the most effective ways to support the First Nations and Inuit, over the long term, in their drive to ensure that their languages remain viable.
The first virtual meeting with Indigenous elected officials took place on March 28, chaired by the Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit, Ian Lafrenière, and the Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe. It brought together Indigenous chiefs and political representatives, who had an opportunity to share their concerns with the Ministers.
Dialogues with the communities
Following the meeting, four dialogue sessions have been scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the following dates:
- May 1 in Val-d’Or, at Hôtel Forestel (1001 3e Avenue Est);
- May 12 in Uashat, at Hôtel Quality Inn (1009 Boulevard Laure);
- May 26 in Montréal, at Hôtel Bonaventure (900 Rue De La Gauchetière Ouest), followed by a conference on Indigenous languages in the afternoon;
- June 16 in Kuujjuaq, at théâtre Katittavik Town Hall (400, route Ford).
The dialogue sessions are open to all. We hope that as many people as possible will attend!
