Language Legislation

About Us

First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) has technical expertise that is often drawn on by all Indigenous, provincial and federal government.

This page provides a collection of resources to inform and support the development of Indigenous language legislation in Canada.

To see the Legislation that created the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, please see our Governance Page.

Federal Legislation

Bill C-91, an Act respecting Indigenous languages, became law on June 21, 2019. The legislation was co-developed by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the three national Indigenous organizations: the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Métis Nation of Canada (MNC).

First Peoples’ Cultural Council actively supported the development of the Act through the facilitation of engagement with B.C. First Nations, advocacy with the two Ministers of Heritage and the department, participation on the AFN’s Technical Committee on Language and presentations to the parliamentary and senate committees reviewing the bill.

A Guide to An Act respecting Indigenous languages

A Tool for First Nations Language Revitalization.

This guide, prepared by the Assembly of First Nations, is intended to help you understand how federal Indigenous language legislation (Bill C-91) can support your efforts to reclaim, revitalize, preserve and strengthen First Nations languages.

Bill C-91 Timeline

December 6, 2016

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces Indigenous languages legislation.

May – June 2017

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council holds engagement sessions in B.C.

June – Oct 2017

The Assembly of First Nations holds engagement sessions across Canada.

2017 – 2018

The Department of Canadian Heritage holds engagement sessions across Canada.

Fall 2018

Memorandum to Cabinet and drafting of legislation.

February 5, 2019

House of Commons First Reading.

February 20, 2019

House of Commons Second Reading

May 9, 2019

House of Commons Third Reading.

May 9, 2019

Senate first reading.

May 27, 2019

Senate Second Reading.

June 13, 2019

Senate Third Reading.

June 21, 2019

Bill C-91 receives Royal Assent from the Governor General and becomes law.

Resources

FPCC Reports and Resources on Indigenous Languages Legislation

A Legislation Framework and How to Provide Input
FPCC has compiled information to help you get started on developing your own input into the legislation.

FPCC Regional Engagement Sessions
Information about the regional sessions held by FPCC in May and June 2017. A community report was compiled to gather the findings of these sessions, which you can find on this page.

Assembly of First Nations Engagement Sessions
Information about the engagement sessions on Indigenous languages legislation held by the Assembly of First Nations in 2017.

Department of Canadian Heritage

In June and July of 2018 the Department of Canadian Heritage hosted engagement sessions on the proposed legislation in the B.C. communities of Vancouver, Kamloops, Nanaimo and Prince George. Access the Department of Canadian Heritage Discussion Guide on their webpage or download the PDF. For more information on the co-development process click here.

Community Position Papers
This section includes position papers from communities that have been shared with FPCC.

Important Documents About Indigenous Languages Legislation
This section provides links to important documents relevant for Indigenous languages legislation. Documents include reports from Canada, international documents, and letters and resolutions.

Existing Legislation on Indigenous Languages
This section provides information about existing legislation for Indigenous languages across Canada and internationally.