Revitalization of two Inuktut dialects discussed in Nunavut legislature

Two Nunavut MLAs asked questions about the revitalization of Inuktut dialects at the territory's Legislative Assembly this week. 

On Tuesday, Kugluktuk MLA Bobby Anavilok asked for an update on resources being made available to learn Inuinnaqtun. 

He pointed to remarks made by former culture and heritage minister Joanna Quassa during budget deliberations two years ago, who said at the time the government was "shifting the focus of Inuinnaqtun translations to prioritize areas that are either likely to improve revitalization or directly support access to service." 

After quoting Quassa in both English and Inuinnaqtun, Anavilok said he believed the shift meant there would be emphasis on new resources to support people learning Inuinnaqtun.

Premier P.J. Akeeagok, who is also the territory's minister of languages, recognized Anavilok's use of Inuinnaqtun in the assembly. He said funds have been set aside to improve programs and services for the language.

"We are going to keep going forward with this," he said in Inuktitut. "We're also looking at filling the positions in Kugluktuk because that's where [we're] producing the new resources."

About 495 people reported speaking Inuinnaqtun according to a census in 2021, with most speakers residing in western Arctic communities.

Akeeagok said the territory is collaborating with the education department to provide programs and obtain funding to strengthen the language and its use.

Anavilok also quoted a plan, tabled in 2018, to implement the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act in Nunavut. 

The plan, named Uqausivut 2.0, included developing "regional language plans that align with the [government of Nunavut] language planning process for each region, incorporating input from regional focus group consultations to ensure grassroots participation and local/regional relevance".

When asked by Anavilok for an update on the western Kitikmeot language plan, Akeeagok said in English that Uqausivut 2.0 remains the government's "formal implementation plan" and that Inuinnaqtun is identified as a key area.

The Netsilik dialect of Inuktut — Nattilingmiutut — was also brought up. 

Netsilik MLA Joseph Inagayuk Quqqiaq referenced an interview CBC News conducted with Taloyoak elder David Nanook. During the interview, Nanook advocated for the preservation of Inuktitut, but also raised the issue of English being spoken more than the Netsilik dialect.

Quqqiaq asked how the Netsilik dialect is being promoted in schools in Taloyoak and Kugaaruk. Akeeagok said the education department is responsible for their curriculum, which does not focus on a specific dialect.

Quqqiaq also brought up the government's Inuktut Language Incentive Policy, which recognizes five dialects. One of them is Nattilingmiutut, which is spoken in Quqqiaq's constituency's communities.

"I have raised this issue many times in the house," Quqqiaq said. "I would like to take this opportunity to ask the new minister of languages for his position on this issue.

"Can the Minister commit to … a callout for a Netsilingmiut-speaking translator with the hopes that the government of Nunavut's public service announcements can be available in the Netsilingmiut dialect?"

Akeeagok said the department cannot "commit specifically to hiring someone with a specific dialect", but said there are other options available.

"There are different grants and contributions available for providing Netsilingmiut specifically to the community, in particular to Taloyoak and Kugaaruk," Akeeagok said. 

"I'm aware that there's been submissions that are being reviewed in terms of the ability for the community or municipality to provide translation services specifically in [Netsilingmiut]."

Akeeagok also promoted the interpreter-translator program at Nunavut Arctic College, which he says he's spoken about with Quqqiaq.