Saagajiwe coordinator travelled to Paris, France to attend UNESCO’s launch of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages

Saagajiwe's Indigenous Program Coordinator, Justine Woods (TMU '18) travelled to Paris, France to attend UNESCO’s launch of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (external link, opens in new window)  on December 13, 2022. The Decade’s aim is to draw global attention to the preservation, revitalization, and promotion of Indigenous languages. The high-level launch will involve representatives of UNESCO Member States and Indigenous leaders, as well as heads of other public and private organizations. The event will include a series of roundtables on linguistic diversity for peacebuilding, Indigenous languages for social inclusion, digital solutions for language and cultural accessibility, climate and environmental sustainability, and mobilizing partnerships and international cooperation for Indigenous languages. Invited by Canada's UNESCO commission, Saagajiwe's involvement will guide policy formation for culture, heritage, and language Indigenous initiatives at The Creative School and Toronto Metropolitan University.

December 12, 2022 – 20^th Anniversary of the UNESCO Local and Indigenous Knowledges Systems

December 13^th, 2022 – High-Level Celebration of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. Opening segment. Speaking: H.E. Hon. Mr. Willie Jackson, Minister for Broadcasting and Media, Māori Development and Associate Minister for ACC, Government of New Zealand. UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France.

December 13, 2022 – Cultural performance by Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club (New Zealand). UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France.

December 13^th, 2022 – High-level thematic roundtable: Indigenous Languages, culture and knowledge for climate action and environmental sustainability. Speaking: Myrna Cunningham, Chair of Guiding Committee, Pawanka Fund (Nicaragua). UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France.