Media Invitation - Why Indigenous Languages Matter

OTTAWA, Oct. 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Indigenous languages are the original languages of this land. They are fundamental to Indigenous identity, worldview, culture and nationhood. Yet no Indigenous language in Canada is safe. A UNESCO report states that three-quarters of the nation's Indigenous languages are "definitely," "severely" or "critically" endangered. But there is hope.

To mark the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages, join us for an animated discussion on the state of Indigenous languages in Canada and why it's in Canada's best interest to work with Indigenous peoples to support and revitalize them. The concern over the loss of Indigenous languages and the strong belief that they should be strengthened is one reason why this event is the first ever sold out talk to be held in the Alex Trebek Theatre.

 

Who:	National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Assembly of First Nations
	Wade Davis, world-renowned anthropologist and author, Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia and Honorary Vice-President of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society
	Moderator: Charlene Bearhead, Indigenous education advocate and The Royal Canadian Geographical Society's Director of Reconciliation
Date:	Thursday, October 17^th, 2019, 6:45 p.m.
Location:	Alex Trebek Theatre, 50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
	* Parking spaces are limited. Carpooling is encouraged.

Social Media Links:
RCGS Twitter @RCGS.SGRC
Assembly of First Nations Twitter: @AFN_Updates 

The event will be livestreamed at 7 p.m. ET at: facebook.com/cangeo 

SOURCE Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Media Information: Deborah Chapman, Communications Manager, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, C [phone], Email: [email protected]