The Inuit people in St. John's lack assistance for their native language, Inuktitut. The New Foundland aboriginal people are given services, however, these do not include full-time translation. According to St. John's resident, Angus Andersen, "There are two aboriginal officers out here (St. John's) without interpreters."
Inuktitut is only one of two languages spoken by the people of Nunatsiavut, which is becoming a language that is spoken less and less. This is especially troubling for seniors who are new to the area and do not speak English and face great challenges.
A language conference was held just weeks ago in Nain, to address the interpretation and translation issues in the area. Voisey's Bay company funded the conference with $12 million provided the unexpected earnings and $170,000 going to language programs. $100,000 was allocated to language strategy and the conference, while $70,000 went to language programs for the Upper Lake Melville area.
Other language programs have been proposed in the area, but have been rejected for funding, such as the Labrador Inuktitut training program. Shelly Broomfield had proposed the program, and stated she was disappointed that its funding was refused.
Nevertheless, the recent conference has given those in the area hope that interpreters and translators will be part of a language program in the area. The more the individuals in the area speak their native language, the greater the ability will be of others to understand them and their culture.
25 August 2008
