Hon. Judy A. White: Honourable senators, I rise today to highlight the important work of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. This is a special time for us to recognize the importance of Indigenous languages and the work of the commissioner’s office for two reasons. First, June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and language is vital to Indigenous history and oral traditions; second, this is the Indigenous Languages Decade, which lasts from 2022-32. This decade, as designated by the United Nations, aims to inspire global action for preserving, revitalizing and promoting Indigenous languages around the world.

In Canada, the work of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages is certainly helping to advance those goals. The commission hosts gatherings and activities, generates resources, conducts research and champions innovative projects from coast to coast to coast. The commission recognizes the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and, more important, they are actively working to create a meaningful impact on the preservation and celebration of Indigenous languages in Canada.

I am pleased to welcome Mr. Ignace, the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, to the Senate today. He is a member of the Secwepemc Nation in the interior of British Columbia. A long-time leader and innovator in his community, the commissioner has done extensive research and writing on his history, language and culture. As a Kamloops residential school survivor and fluent Secwepemctsin speaker, Commissioner Ignace is a living testament to the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples and our languages.

In his own words:

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have a great heart. However, our spirit has been battered and bruised because the cradle of our spirit is in our languages. It is imperative we breathe life back into our languages.

Mr. Ignace, you have certainly led the fight in breathing life back into our languages.

Finally, I would like to extend an invitation to all of you here to the 2025 Global Indigenous Languages Summit that will be held here in Ottawa from August 11 to 14. It will be hosted by the commission and will feature keynote addresses, artists, educators and conversations about championing Indigenous language from all around the world. To learn more, visit waves2025.ca. We want to see you all there.

Wela’lin, thank you.