Language Legislation Implementation Plan Introduced

For Immediate Release

Iqaluit, Nunavut (October 30, 2012) – The Uqausivut Plan — a plan that will guide the implementation of Nunavut’s Language Legislation – was tabled today in Nunavut’s Legislative Assembly.

“The passage of our language legislation marked the first step in a journey just as bold and ambitious as the creation of Nunavut – the challenge of enshrining and protecting the languages at the very heart of our culture and society,” said Minister Arreak. “The Uqausivut Plan is the next step in that journey.”

The Plan reflects a year of consultation and planning with Nunavummiut, and the final edition was jointly prepared by the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and the Office of the Languages Commissioner, followed by consultation with departments and public agencies.

“It is the responsibility of every community, organization and individual in Nunavut to keep our languages alive,” said Minister Arreak. “I ask for a commitment from all Nunavummiut to do their part in implementing Nunavut’s Language legislation.”

The Uqausivut Plan sets out the steps territorial departments and public agencies will take to meet their obligations under the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act. It also describes the management and accountability framework through which the Plan will be managed and monitored.

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Additional information on the language acts and the Uqausivut Implementation Plan is available at the following website: http://www.ch.gov.nu.ca

Media Contact:
Leevede Atagoyuk
Communications Manager
Department of Culture and Heritage
Tel: 867-975-5526
latagoyuk@gov.nu.ca

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