A Historic Moment: Indigenous Language to be Spoken in Ontario Legislature
For the first time in its history, the Ontario legislature will allow interpretation and transcription of a language other than English and French.
New Democrat Sol Mamakwa sparked the change after convincing Government House Leader Paul Calandra to allow him to speak in his language.
About 100 supporters will gather in Toronto to watch the historic moment, including Mamakwa’s family and friends.
Mamakwa, from Kingfisher Lake First Nation in northern Ontario, stresses the importance of preserving Indigenous languages.
Calandra changed the standing orders to include any Indigenous language spoken in Canada.
Interpreters will translate Mamakwa’s words in real-time to English and French, as well as represent them in syllabics in Hansard.
Mamakwa plans to ask a health-related question during the session.
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