CFLA-FCAB signs on as partners in UNESCO Internation Year of Indigenous Languages — La FCAB-CFLA s’associé à l’année internationale des langues autochtones de l’UNESCO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]
March 13, 2019, OTTAWA—CFLA-FCAB SIGNS ON AS PARTNER IN THE UNESCO
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES
The Canadian Federation of Library Associations/Fédération canadienne des
associations de bibliothèques, in collaboration with community groups and
organizations, supports the ongoing work of Indigenous language and literacy with,
and for, Indigenous communities.
CFLA-FCAB is committed to advancing the calls to action related to language as
outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Report released by the Canadian government
related to cultural heritage institutions.
“I am most pleased that the Canadian Federation of Library Associations is endorsing
the United Nation’s Declaration of the “2019 International Year of Indigenous
Languages”. Stated Colette Poitras, Red River Métis, Chair of the Canadian Federation
of Library Associations Indigenous Matters Committee. “Indigenous culture and ways of
knowing are rich, diverse and deeply interconnected with language. There are more
than 60 Indigenous languages within Canada, many of which are in danger of being
lost. As librarians, we have a duty and the privilege to partner with Indigenous
community to assist and support the protection, preservation, revitalization and
promotion of these languages.”
CFLA-FCAB will be using many avenues and activities to support the International Year
of Indigenous Languages including:
• Promoting the visibility and impact of language programs;
• Promoting professional development programming.
• Supporting and promoting the availability of information about language
initiatives taking place in libraries
• Increasing awareness of subject heading and vocabularies in Indigenous
languages
• Supporting and promoting initiatives related to physical and online spaces such
as signage and online interfaces.
“CFLA-FCAB’s Indigenous Matters Committee has been working tirelessly the last few
years to develop a long-term structure and direction for CFLA-FCAB to address
Indigenous issues related to libraries.” Stated Alix-Rae Stefanko, Chair, CFLA-FCAB. “The
work of the committee has been driven by the wish to identify and promote best
practices identified by libraries and associations to promote education regarding
Indigenous issues, to support reconciliation, and to meet the needs of Indigenous
communities. As such, we are very pleased to be a partner organization in support of
the 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages”.
The Canadian Federation of Library Associations/Fédération Canadienne des
associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB) is the national voice of Canada’s library
associations. Our purpose is to advance library excellence in Canada, champion library
values and the value of libraries and influence national and international public policy
impacting libraries and their communities.
For more information please contact:
Katherine McColgan
Executive Director
613.867.7789
kmccolgan@cfla-fcab.ca
Colette Poitras
Chair, CFLA-FCAB Indigenous Matters
Committee
Colette.Poitras@gov.ab.ca