The Conservative leadership of the Canadian government has eliminated most of the $170 million that had been set aside for Native languages.

Only about $30 million, to be spent over eight years, remains. First Nations leaders are trying to get the funding cut reverse, citing the need to protect their languages.

"There are 55 indigenous languages spoken in Canada. Fifty-three are in various stages of disappearing, so urgent action is needed," Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine said at the National First Nations Languages Conference, CBC News reported.

Chief David Crate of the Fisher River First Nation in Manitoba said the government can't shoulder all the responsibility. He said Native people have to make language preservation a priority as well.

"Money is only one aspect of what we need in terms of our families. We have to take it as a challenge and do that ourselves," he was quoted as saying.

Get the Story:
Saving native languages up to First Nations: chief (CBC 11/14)
Cree immersion kindergarten offered in northern Manitoba (CBC 11/13)

Relevant Links:
Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre - http://www.mfnerc.org

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