UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Eighteenth Session
Tuesday April 23, 2019
Thank you Madame Chair. I am speaking on behalf of several Nations and organizations. Tawaw kahkiyaw, okimâwak, nâpewak, iskwewak, kêhtêak, oskâyak. Okimaw piyasiw awasis nitisihkason. Miyo kisikaw anoch. I have begun in Cree – my language, and the language of my ancestors. My statement focuses on the transmission and protection of Indigenous peoples’ knowledge systems through language.
The International Year of Indigenous Languages puts a spotlight on the importance of Indigenous languages and the critical work that is taking place and must continue to ensure the very survival of our languages.