NR 03-32 OLA ENG Official Languages Act.doc

(December 8, 2003 — Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. today set out its support of the Final Report of the Special Committee to Review the Official Languages Act.

The Report, which is the culmination of two years of intensive work by the Committee, presents a total of 21 recommendations, the most important of which calls for an entirely new Official Languages Act to be developed during the term of the Second Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.

Inuit voices have made it through to the Special Committee, said NTI President Cathy Towtongie. Important recommendations NTI made in our Uqausiriksarniq language initiatives report — such as drafting an Inuktitut Protection Act — were adopted by the Special Committee. This is a big step forward for Inuit as we work hard to preserve, protect and promote our languages.

NTI drafted the Uqausiriksarniq language initiatives report earlier this year. Many of the same recommendations made in that report appear in the Special Committee’s Report. President Towtongie said she views this agreement on language issues as a strong indication that the Government of Nunavut, the Legislative Assembly and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. are combining forces in this important area.

I am pleased to see that the Special Committee recognizes these changes are necessary if we are to strengthen the usage of Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun, said Towtongie. It is now in the hands of the next Legislative Assembly. NTI expects to be part of that exciting process.

For further information:

Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4914
Cell: (867) 975-1337