Indigenous Languages Act (S.C. 2019, c. 23)

Marginal note:Mandate

• 23 (1) The mandate of the Office is to

  • (a) help promote Indigenous languages;

  • (b) support the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages;

  • (c) facilitate the resolution of disputes and review complaints to the extent provided by this Act;

  • (d) promote public awareness and understanding in respect of

    • (i) the diversity and richness of Indigenous languages,

    • (ii) the inseparable link between Indigenous languages and the cultures of Indigenous peoples,

    • (iii) the rights of Indigenous peoples related to Indigenous languages,

    • (iv) the significance of those rights for Indigenous peoples, as well as for the general public,

    • (v) the negative impact of colonization and discriminatory government policies on Indigenous languages and the exercise of those rights, and

    • (vi) the importance of working toward and contributing to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and

  • (e) support innovative projects and the use of new technologies in Indigenous language education and revitalization, in cooperation with Indigenous governments and other Indigenous governing bodies, Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments.

• Marginal note:Consultation and coordination

  (2) In fulfilling its mandate, the Office must, where appropriate, consult and coordinate with any Indigenous, provincial or territorial entity that is responsible for the promotion, revitalization or protection of Indigenous languages.