The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba (ALM) will receive an operating grant of $73,500 to assist in promoting the preservation and retention of Manitoba's seven Aboriginal languages, Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford announced yesterday. "The staff and advisors of ALM are providing a vital service that will ensure Manitoba maintains Aboriginal languages currently spoken in our province, while celebrating the rich culture and heritage each represents," McGifford said. "By updating and compiling standard reference works such as dictionaries and grammar books, and providing translation services, they are preserving the traditional languages as well as ensuring more effective communication with Aboriginal people whose first language is not English." A non-profit organization, Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba was incorporated in 1984 to preserve Aboriginal languages with the help of the Council of Language Elders, community members and educators. The seven Aboriginal languages spoken in Manitoba are Cree, Dene, Dakota, Michif, Inuktituq, Ojibwe (Saulteaux) and Oji-Cree, a dialect spoken in Island Lake. "Our organization is one of only a few of its kind in Canada, and it provides a very important function in the area of cultural and heritage preservation," said Carol Beaulieu, executive director of Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba. See 'Endeavour' P.# Con't from P.# "If an indigenous language disappears, the cultural base of that nation disappears as well. Fortunately, as time goes on, language retention and preservation are becoming more important to individuals and communities. We do our best to assist as many as possible in this endeavour in Manitoba and in Canada, and we greatly appreciate the contribution of the provincial government to continue this important work. Miigwech." ALM organizes delivery of Aboriginal language instruction in Winnipeg and other communities. The board of directors and staff advise and assist Winnipeg School Division, the University of Manitoba, Red River College and other interested groups on matters related to Aboriginal language instruction. "Our government recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting Aboriginal languages," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin. "Manitoba is blessed to have a strong Aboriginal heritage and this funding will help us to preserve this heritage for our children." McGifford noted that the annual grant provides support for ALM to research, develop and design programs and curriculum materials to assist teachers, translators and interpreters. Materials are also kept in a resource library and shared with teachers and education institutions across the province.
