In a landmark move aimed at preserving and revitalizing Indigenous languages, the Manitoba government has announced a pilot project to translate Hansard, the official record of legislative proceedings, into the seven Indigenous languages spoken within the province. Premier Wab Kinew unveiled the initiative on National Indigenous Languages Day, March 31, with Anishinaabemowin being the initial focus.
“This project will generate a huge amount of Indigenous language text, which will help language learners, teachers and artificial intelligence researchers work with our province’s first languages,” Premier Kinew stated. “I’m proud to announce this initiative on National Indigenous Languages Day, which honours the languages of the Anishinaabemowin, Dakota, Cree, Anisininew, Métis, Inuit and Dene Peoples in Manitoba.”
Hansard, a vital historical and governmental record, will now be accessible in Indigenous languages, beginning with Anishinaabemowin. The government plans to expand the project to include the other six languages once the pilot phase proves successful.
The ambitious undertaking will require language experts to collaborate in translating complex French and English legislative terminology into Anishinaabemowin. This process may involve the creation of new words and phrases to accurately reflect the nuances of government business. Initially, the project will concentrate on translating the official proceedings of the legislature, with potential future expansion to include mandate letters and other government releases.
The initiative is seen as a significant step in supporting the revitalization of Indigenous languages, aligning with the spirit of National Indigenous Languages Day, which celebrates the linguistic diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
To support this effort, the Manitoba government has begun recruiting two Indigenous translators. Interested applicants can find more information and apply at www.gov.mb.ca/govjobs/.
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