The federal funding allocation for Indigenous language programs in the Northwest Territories (NWT) has stalled at CAN$5.9 million per year for the next three years. The figure has not changed since 2016, so, when inflation is factored in, it represents a cut of 20% in real terms. The federal government claimed it was instead sending more money directly to Indigenous governments and organizations.
In a statement to Cabin Radio, Canadian Heritage, which supplies the NWT government with language funding, said its agreement with the territory was “ongoing, predictable funding” and a “sustained commitment,” despite not having increased in eight years.
Canadian Heritage said it had more broadly agreed new investments nationwide worth more than $1 billion for the decade spanning 2019 to 2029, but did not say how much of that has been directed to Indigenous language programs in the NWT.
The annual $5.9-million allocation is generally sent to Indigenous governments and organizations.
While some of the money goes to education bodies, communications societies, and community radio stations, around $4.9 million—more than 80%—is reserved for Indigenous governments to fund programs including the Mentor–Apprentice Program, an initiative that has been hailed for its positive effect on Indigenous language use in the NWT.
In a joint press release, NWT education and culture minister Caitlin Cleveland called the funding a “critical agreement”
that supports language initiatives across the territory.
“Through our collective commitment and sustained funding for language revitalization and language access, we will continue to work with Indigenous people and governments to ensure Indigenous languages are protected, promoted,
and celebrated,” Cleveland was quoted as saying.
