In the budget and business plan of the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), Caitlin Cleveland, the Minister of Education, Culture, and Employment, has recommended the creation of a new Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) for Languages and Culture.
The main goal of the proposed role is to ensure adequate resources are dedicated to preserving the territory’s diverse cultures and languages. Some members of the accountability oversight committee have reservations about the effectiveness of assigning such a significant task to a single individual at headquarters. The appointment of a senior bureaucrat to this position remains controversial, with arguments for a more cost-effective, community-based approach that could fulfill similar goals. Nevertheless, the caucus remains hopeful, viewing it as a symbol of progress.
The role is designed to orchestrate efforts towards territorial objectives for preserving languages and cultures, focusing on unifying areas such as language directorates. The allocated budget for this role stands at $255,000. The criteria for assessing the impact of the role are yet to be determined. Currently, the position remains vacant.
Only three language-related positions are located outside of Yellowknife and the majority of departmental staff operate from the NWT offices in Yellowknife. Denny Rodger, MLA for Inuvik Boot Lake, Lucy Kuptana, MLA for Nunakput, and George Nerysoo, MLA for Mackenzie Delta, stressed the importance of siting the ADM position outside of Yellowknife.
Their rationale is based on the belief that siting the ADM in a region where Indigenous languages are actively spoken would better serve the department’s mandate to support cultural and language revitalization endeavors. This shift in location could also cultivate stronger connections with local communities and enhance the department’s understanding of the diverse needs across the territory.
Members of the legislative assembly only have the power to cut off the funds. Therefore, the motion for a budget cut was defeated. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the position will be moved to a region where Indigenous languages are thriving.
