b'LANGUAGELanguage is the Foundationof Nationhood and LawL anguage is the vehicle throughlanguage. In 1998, a state of emergencyIndigenous languages: A Tool for First which knowledge is expressed,was declared through Resolution 35/1998,Nations Language Revitalization, which including world views, laws,First Nations Languages, expressing andiscusses the possible implications of the customs, traditions, spirituality,urgent need to reverse language loss andAct and ways forward.culture and histories. Language reflectsdegradation. Resolution 77/2017, SupportThe federal Act is designed to help who we are as distinct peoplesit offersfor Continued Co-development Work onensure adequate, sustainable and long-a glint of the human spirit. the Indigenous Languages Act, withterm funding for the revitalization of First Nations languages are at risk ofrespect to Prime Minister Trudeaus 2016Indigenous languages in Canada with extinction. Despite this reality, there hasannouncement that the Government ofthe aim of increasing fluencya goal been a resurgence among First NationsCanada would work jointly to developthat requires significant dedication. For youth to reclaim language and culture.Indigenous languages legislation,decades, language champions across First There is a thirst to restore culturalwas carried.Nations have made incredible strides in identity. Ceremony, ritual and FirstSignificant First Nations efforts aremaintaining language with little support. Nations laws are passed down throughhelping keep languages alive, but theyMoving forward, the Act can be used as a language from generation to generation.are lacking support and funding. Thetool to support First Nation exercise of The continued loss or erosion of Firstfederal commitment to legislationjurisdiction over their languages, provide Nations languages risks breaking thesecame to fruition when the Indigenousmuch-needed funding to First Nations links to cultural identity. Nationhood isLanguages Act received royal assent ongovernments and language organizations, strengthened when language flourishes. June 21, 2019. This is a significant step toand encourage language initiatives.The Assembly of First Nations (AFN)ensuring the reclamation, revitalization,For First Nations, this legislation has been consistently instructedmaintenance and strengthening of Firstencourages and facilitates our efforts by Chiefs, Elders and youth on theNations languages in Canada. The AFNto develop our own language laws and importance of preserving and revitalizingpublished A Guide to An Act respectingpolicies that address our current needs 54 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2019'