b'LANGUAGEand strengthen the well-being of First Nations languages.Indigenous laws are largely conveyed in our languages; language loss risks eroding connections to legal traditions that date back to pre-contact. Indigenous laws are dynamic and can coexist with the Canadian Common law. The importance of First Nations Rightsholders passing First Nations laws with respect to language and culture cannot be understated. Passing language laws and/or policies within First Nations communities can help establish and encourage the consistent use of language across generations and can be adapted to the unique circumstances of the community. Laws and policies can encourage language learningfor example, by changing hiring practices and requiring Band Council members to actively learn and/or speak their language. In 2018, the Band Council in Wemindji passed a resolution encouraging all local government departments and entities to use Cree as the language of communication in thegenerally take priority if there is acommunity plans. In British Columbia, workplace and at home. Fostering anconflict among laws (including federal oryou can look to Metlakatla First Language is the Foundation environment that encourages learningprovincial laws).Nation and TSou-ke First Nation, can also support the success of local andamong others.regional First Nations organizationsFor example, the Teslin Tlingit Council language initiatives. a self-governing First Nation basedThe tireless efforts of Language of Nationhood and Law Similarly, the Act supports thein Teslin Southern Yukon TerritoryChampions and the calls of First Nations development and implementation ofdeveloped their own Language Actyouth to maintain language show us that arrangements and/or agreements whichin 2017 and established a Languagethe question is not if language matters. can reflect the needs and priorities ofand Culture Oversight Committee.Instead, it is how First Nations can best the member Nations. Examples existThe Committee has since developedwork together, as well as with partners, through self-government or educationan implementation plan to restoreto safeguard cultural survival. agreements, where many communitiesthe Lingt language. ComprehensiveFor more information, visit the AFN can come together to develop Nation- community plans can also includeLanguages and Culture sector page to based agreements with provinces,language components (on its own or asaccess the document A Guide to An Act territories and/or the federal government.part of culture), along with governance,respecting Indigenous Languages: Indigenous laws and self-governinglands and resources, health, and socialA Tool for First Nations Language agreements that protect culture andand infrastructure development. ThereRevitalization at afn.ca/policy-sectors/language are paramount because theyare many examples of comprehensivelanguages-and-culture/.WeareaboutiquelawfirmpracticingexclusivelyinAboriginaland environmental law. We represent a diverse group of Indigenous Nations, Indigenous organizations, and environmental groups.All of our partners have been recognized as top Aboriginal law practitioners.We have a focus on Indigenous governance, including self-governance negotiations and implementation, and law and policy development.VictoriaIMontralISt. Johns Our lawyers are members of the Law Societies of British Columbia, Northwest www.arbutuslaw.caI250.940.1881 Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Qubec and Newfoundland & Labradorwww.afn.ca 55'