The Critical State of Aboriginal Languages in Canada

Abstract

The Aboriginal peoples of Canada believe that the protection of their languages is an inherent right, a treaty right, a constitutional right, and an Aboriginal right. It was believed that the treaties entered into at the turn of the century would protect their way of life so that their values and practices would continue "as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow." Subsequent international and national legal foundations support the claim that Aboriginal languages must be protected. Further to this, Aboriginal peoples believe that the church and state committed a moral atrocity concerning the loss of their languages and traditional mores. There are legal and moral foundations to confirm that Aboriginal peoples have a firm basis for calling on the Government of Canada to enact legislation to protect and revitalize Aboriginal languages.