African Communities Together’s Post

Language Advocates and Allies, we need your voices to support our advocacy for language funding! The federal government is gathering feedback on funding areas in the budget. If you have a moment, please complete this survey by February 9 and highlight "Other - Fund Indigenous language revitalization" as a priority: https://lnkd.in/gdZfE-Zx Investing in long-term sustainable funding for language revitalization brings: - Jobs to communities  - First Nations languages to life - Skill building to communities - A greater connection to the land, intangible heritage and knowledge systems ... and so much more First Nations have a right to their languages. Let's champion this important work together! #BCLanguageRevitalization #FirstNationsVoices

MP Gord Johns NDP Courtenay-Alberni, B.C., spoke in the House of Commons, calling on the federal government to protect Indigenous language funding: https://lnkd.in/gsz8MQiJ I raise my hands to Gord Johns for his advocacy and support in securing long-term sustainable funding for First Nations language revitalization in B.C. The revitalization of our languages, arts and cultural heritage is essential in recognizing our rights as Indigenous peoples of this land, rights that Canada has committed to upholding through the passing of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in 2021. First Nations people have a right to their languages. Investing in cultural revitalization is a step toward reconciliation.

International Day of Sign Languages. Today, we wish the rich diversity of deaf cultures around the world and the importance of sign languages in fostering communication and inclusion. Remember, a small sign can make a big connection. #signlanguages #internationalday

I will never forget the first time I stood in a Pa!estin1an home in the West Bånk and listened to a mother tell how her preteen son was märtÿred right there in their home in the middle of the night. I remember everything falling silent in my mind as I realized that I had just been gifted with something precious and horrifying and that I could not have been gifted that if I had not acquired Arabic fluently. It was at that moment that I understood that being gifted a language is a set of responsibilities. That once we have something that people have given their lives for, that has given people their lives, that gives a people life, we are not free to waste it or misuse it or fail to appreciate it. A language is not a commodity. It is a bond between humans. I view every language I learn this way, and I implore every student who learns a language from me to recognize this as well. In the case of Dakota and Lakota, I can't express how indebted I feel when I hear and understand an experience being shared by someone who had to survive the relentless torture of the boarding schools, and whose parents had to survive that torture, and whose grandparents had to survive that torture in order for them to speak that language to me. That is a responsibility that cannot be quantified. I am deeply committed to effective language reclamation programming because everyone should have that same access to the words and experiences of their parents and grandparents. Languages are a human right, they are not commodities, they are not mere variations on a uniform costume. They are the roots that connect peoples to their existence and no one has the right to sever that, and repairing what has been severed is urgent and necessary.

Today marks the International Day of Sign Languages, a day that highlights the importance of sign languages in promoting the rights and inclusion of Deaf people worldwide. #DidYouKnow that the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) includes provisions for American Sign Language, Quebec Sign Language, and Indigenous sign languages? This landmark legislation aims to create a barrier-free Canada, ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in society. The ACA recognizes the unique cultural and linguistic identities of diverse sign languages, promoting accessibility in various sectors, including employment, transportation, and information. Interested in learning more about the ACA and how it supports inclusivity? Visit: https://ow.ly/xlBJ50Ttuar

On this Indigenous Peoples' Day, let's explore the linguistic human rights of Indigenous communities in the U.S. 👇 Linguistic Human Rights are fundamental for the development and well-being of individuals and communities. Language plays a crucial role in shaping and preserving our identities and how we express ourselves, learn, and coexist within a community. Historically, Indigenous peoples in the U.S. were forced to assimilate linguistically into the dominant culture, resulting in devastating consequences, including genocide, reduced community cohesiveness, lower academic performance, and increased suicide rates. 👉🏾 Broader systemic violence against Indigenous peoples and languages impacts us as a whole, and upholding linguistic human rights benefits everyone. Source: https://lnkd.in/epjHWMHv Let’s take a quick dive into the topic via the slides below 👇

Celebrating the International Day of Sign Languages! 🌍🤟 Sign languages bridge cultures and connect over 70 million deaf people worldwide, including many immigrants who navigate new societies. With more than 80% of deaf people living in developing countries and using over 300 different sign languages, this day highlights the importance of recognizing and promoting sign languages as equal to spoken languages. Let’s celebrate the power of sign languages in preserving linguistic and cultural identities, fostering unity, and supporting the rights of all deaf communities around the world. ✨ #InternationalDayOfSignLanguages #SignLanguagesUniteUs #LinguisticDiversity #InclusionMatters

Cultural and language barriers can get in the way of delivering the best possible care, we look at ways to break down these barriers in #TheCover: https://bit.ly/4cmeK5e

Happy International Week of Deaf Persons! It's a great opportunity to learn about language and more about d/Deaf culture. By embracing and promoting sign language usage in everyday interactions like the workplace, we contribute to a more inclusive society overall! Did you know Canada is one of only 40% of countries that formally recognize their Sign languages? In Canada, we have two formally recognized Sign languages – ASL (American Sign Language) and QSL (langue des signes québécoise). Indigenous sign languages (including Plains Sign Language, Inuit Sign Language, and Oneida Sign Language) and Maritime Sign Language are also used in different regions. Each language has its own grammar, syntax, and unique cultural associations! Learn more about these languages: https://lnkd.in/g5CqXHgA Image credit: Office of the Chief Accessibility Officer of Canada. Image Description: A person with long hair and a bright knit sweater signing in front of their torso with both hands in ASL, signing the word "sign." The Government of Canada logo is in a white border along the bottom.

Linguistic diversity is under threat, but it's not too late to make a difference. The Guardian explains how you can support language revitalization efforts and help preserve #EndangeredLanguages for the future https://bit.ly/4cFfbas