Canada launches United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages in Ottawa

Representatives from across the country gathered Friday in Ottawa to celebrate the Canadian launch of the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages.

The launch was held at theRoyal Canadian Geographic Societyby Gov. Gen.Mary Simon andPerry Bellegarde, former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Simon, who isInuk, is the first Indigenous Governor General and spoke about the importance of preserving languages, usingher first language, Inuktitut, as an example.

She said she hopes her language grows, not just survives, and said it's crucial to keep usinglanguages in order to protect them.

"I think we can all agree that there's no better way of preserving and enhancing one's language than using it, and using it in every possible venue, in any venue that we're able to," Simon said.

Mi'kmawsinger Emma Stevens from Eskasoni First Nationin Nova Scotia sang three songs at theevent, one honouring the MMIWG movement, another a love song to Cape Breton, and aMi'kmaw version of The Beatles song Blackbird.She saidit was an amazing experience being there to sing in her language.

"Being Indigenous myself and coming from a community myself that the language is kind of losing its value there, too it was great to be a part of the event," she said.

She said she hopes to use music as a way to keep the language alive.

"I can hopefully get more language with music into my community because music is a universal language," said Stevens.

Joshua Morin, a member of the Mtis Nation of Albertawho teaches Michif classesin St. Albert, Alta.,spoke at the event, reciting a 1982 prayer by FatherGuy Lavallee. He said thewords he said were fitting, as theydiscussed language and wererecited previously in 1982 during Constitutiontalks in Ottawa.

Morinsaid he was honoured to be a part of the event.

"When I think of this decade, I'm very proud of the work that people have done, that people continue to do," he said.

"[I'm] just very, very proud and honoured that I'm able to keep that work continuing going for future generations."

Morin also said he hopes to see more financial equity among Canada'slanguage effortswithin the decade.