Revitalization efforts of traditional language in the Nahanni Butte region is getting a financial boost from the federal government.
Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St. Onge announced a five-year investment of $269,724 to support language revitalizations of Dene Zhatié, also known as South Slavey, on June 21.
"The Dene Zhatié language is a cornerstone of the Naha Dehe Dene Band's identity and cultural heritage," said St. Onge. "Our government is committed to supporting Indigenous communities in their language revitalization initiatives, which are vital in preserving their traditions for future generations.
"By partnering with Indigenous communities, we're not just reviving languages, but also adding to our vibrant cultural mosaic."
The funding will assist the Naha Dehe Dene Band with a number of language revival projects, including developing a book on the community's history and collecting stories from Elders and other community members. The funding will also enable hiring a language coordinator to conduct classes and work with community members.
Located on the banks of the South Nahanni River, roughly a kilometre from the Liard River, Nahanni Butte, a community of fewer than 100 people, has no road access during the summer months and is only accessible by river taxi or air charter.
"The Naha Dehe Dene Band's commitment to revitalizing the Dene Zhatie language is a testament to its strength and resilience," said NWT MP Michael McLeod. "This investment will support its efforts to lead several important initiatives. The community's dedication to these projects not only ensures the survival of its language but also strengthens its cultural heritage for future generations."