Nunatsiavut Language Strategy approved

March 2, 2021

The Nunatsiavut Government has approved a five-year strategy aimed at preserving, promoting and enhancing Labrador Inuttitut.

The 2021-2026 Nunatsiavut Language Strategy sets forth the vision, mission and values that will provide a framework for prioritizing projects and necessary investments into language initiatives that align with years of work and input gathered from the Nunatsiavut Government and Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement.

One of the objectives of the strategy is to work closely with Labrador Inuit communities, other Nunatsiavut Government departments, and other Inuit regions to determine best practices to preserve, promote and protect the language, notes Language, Culture and Tourism Minister Jim Lyall.

“The preservation and promotion of our language is very important for our society as a whole, as well as for each and every Labrador Inuk. It helps define us as a people, interwoven in a cultural fabric that has been passed on since time immemorial,” says Minister Lyall. “However, our language, as part of our cultural heritage, is very vulnerable. It is in danger of being lost, in part because it is no longer learned by many of our children. That’s why it is critically important to do what we can now to save it before it’s too late.”

It is hoped that at the end of the five-year strategy, Labrador Inuit will confidently understand and speak the language at basic, intermediate and/or expert levels.

“We are aiming to provide the necessary supports that will see an increased sense of comfort and confidence when speaking Inuttitut within homes, social circles, gatherings and public events.”

Upon completion of the strategy in 2026, the Nunatsiavut Government will gather what has been learned and engage Labrador Inuit in planning next steps.

Media Contact:
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
(709) 896-8582

NT5