Aboriginal languages neglected and endangered: task force

A task force on aboriginal languages and culture says that more than half of the 60 aboriginal languages in Canada are endangered while 10 other languages have become extinct over the past century.

The task force, which released a report last week, also found that only about 25,000 First Nations, Inuit and Metis speak their original languages.

The group, created by Heritage Canada in 2002 to preserve and revitalize First Nations, Inuit and Metis languages, made 25 recommendations to the federal government, including the creation of a language commissioner for all of Canada.

Another recommendation suggests funding for aboriginal languages that's in line with what's spent preserving and promoting French and English.

Members are also recommending that federal departments such as justice, health and human resources provide service in aboriginal languages.

"It took a hundred years to tear our languages down. We are going to need seven generations to rebuild and strengthen our languages," says Ron Ignace, the task force chair.

One of the members of the task force from Nunavut, Alexina Kublu, says the effort comes a little too late, but at least it's a start.

Ottawa has committed $160 million for the next ten years to try to preserve what is left of the aboriginal languages in Canada.