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North Slavey language to have central role in newest First Nation self-government in Canada
Deline community leader proposes to pass law to grant knowledge and use of language in administration · Self-government institutions come into effect 1 September
North Slavey is spoken by 70% of the community, Kenny told the CBC, but the share of speakers is declining under pressure from English.
Kenny argues the new autonomous institutions should ensure that the Deline Got'ine Government (DGG) staff "use" or "have to learn" North Slavey.
Official language under the new Deline Constitution
In fact, Kenny's proposal gives way to a principle contained in the DGG Constitution, according to which the government's official languages will be North Slavey and English. "All persons may communicate with the DGG in either language," the Constitution reads.
The Deline self-government is the result of an agreement between the local community, the government of the Northwest Territories and the government of Canada. Negotiators spent 18 years to reach a deal, which was passed by the Deline population in referendum in 2014.
The new self-government can pass laws and implement policies in the areas of its competence, including language, culture, traditions and education, among others.