Legislation, Policies, & Other Key Documents

The following include various reports, laws, policies, and other foundational documents concerning Indigenous languages, language rights, and the formation of the Commission.

Legislation

The Aboriginal Languages Recognition Act (Manitoba, 2010)
https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/39-4/pdf/b024.pdf
The Indigenous Languages Act
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-7.85/page-1.html
Inuit Language Protection Act (2008)
https://www.nunavutlegislation.ca/en/media/1822
Mi’kmaw Language Act
https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/mi’kmaw%20language.pdf
Official Languages Act (Nunavut, 2008)
https://www.nunavutlegislation.ca/en/media/1842
Official Languages Act (NWT, 1998)
https://www.justice.gov.nt.ca/en/files/legislation/official-languages/official-languages.a.pdf

Policies

Inuit Nunangat Policy
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1650556354784/1650556491509

Key Documents

Report on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples
https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/aboriginal-heritage/royal-commission-aboriginal-peoples/Pages/final-report.aspx
Task Force on Aboriginal Languages and Cultures
– “Towards a New Beginning – A Foundational Report for a Strategy to Revitalize First Nations, Inuit and Metis Languages and Cultures (June, 2005)”
https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.852166/publication.html
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf

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In the News

The world is watching how Canada treats Indigenous rights

22 Oct 2025

Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada

APTN, CBC, and the Indigenous Screen Office Announce Selected Projects for 2025-2026 Early Stage Sc

21 Oct 2025

The Indigenous Screen Office is pleased to announce the selected recipients of the APTN/CBC Early Stage Scripted Development Program for Indigenous Creators. Now in its fourth year, this program offers a unique opportunity for two emerging creators to work closely with APTN and CBC executives to help move their projects into development and ultimately, into […]

Manitoba – Province Protects Indigenous Languages with New Teaching Degree Programs

21 Oct 2025

The Manitoba government is protecting Indigenous languages with more than $4.5 million to support new Indigenous language degree programs at the University of Winnipeg and University College of the No. . .

‘Language is culture’: 2 new college programs aim to produce more Ojibway, Cree speakers in Manitoba

20 Oct 2025

Beginning next year, the University of Winnipeg will offer a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous language immersion focused on the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) language, while University College of the North’s bachelor’s degree will develop fluency in Ininimowin (Cree).

Canada – Indigenous Peoples, Culture, History

08 Oct 2025

Canada – Indigenous Peoples, Culture, History: An estimated 200,000 First Nations people (Indians) and Inuit were living in what is now Canada when Europeans began to settle there in the 16th century. For the next 200 years the Indigenous population declined, largely as a result of European territorial encroachment and the diseases that the settlers […]

Yukon First Nation uses holograms to preserve the knowledge of elders

04 Oct 2025

There are fewer than 12 fluent speakers of Northern Tutchone left in the remote community of Mayo, Yukon – and many of them are elderly. The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyӓk Dun has turned to technology to help preserve the language.

First Nations mark Reconciliation by re-sounding Canada’s 94 Calls to Action

02 Oct 2025

Progress made, but so much more needs to be done say people in Tofino as they mark Truth and Reconciliation Day

Silenced no more: Indigenous languages celebrated at site of former residential school

30 Sep 2025

Languages once suppressed at the Assiniboia Residential School have now returned to the site. More than 100 people gathered Tuesday at 621 Academy Rd., on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation…