Editor,
In response to Mr. Wolfgang Wittenberg's letter "For the historical record" which was published by your paper on January 29, 2010, I state that:
Aboriginal languages are not recognized as a founding language of Canada, by law - as you rightly pointed out by sighting the Official Languages Act of 1969, which gives that distinction only to English and French. Regardless, the fact that the Aboriginal languages have yet to be recognized by law does not lessen their position as a founding language of Canada.
In this light, a Private Members Bill is currently before the Senate - Bill S-237, the Aboriginal Languages of Canada Act - which calls for the advancement of the aboriginal languages of Canada, and for the recognition and respect of aboriginal language rights.
These principles, along with promotion and preservation, underlined the Official Languages Act, which gave English and French equal measure in Canadian law, and has since facilitated their use across our country.
The principles in this Bill are important, as many Aboriginal languages face extinction.
Canadian Aboriginal culture has played a great historical role in the founding of our country. Canada's identity as a multicultural nation, has its origins in the blending of three cultures; English, French, and Aboriginal, and has been further enriched through immigration.
The same can be said of my desire to see the equal presence of these cultures reflected at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. As other host countries have displayed their cultural foundations at their Games, I do not think it is inappropriate for Canada to do the same.
Protecting the Aboriginal languages through recognition is a worthwhile cause, not only for the speakers of these native languages, but for all Canadians to have a complete understanding of the heritages that are at the core of our country.
Preservation of Aboriginal languages strengthens all Canadians' heritage.
Honourable Mobina S.B. Jaffer, Q.C.
Senator British Columbia
