Sunday 22 March 2009

First Forum on the Implementation of the Nunavut Official Languages Act to be Held in Iqaluit

Association des francophones du Nunavut
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Association-Des-Francophones-Du-Nunavut-964410.html

Mar 22, 2009 09:05 ET

First Forum on the Implementation of the Nunavut Official Languages Act to be Held in Iqaluit

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT--(Marketwire - March 21, 2009) - The Association des francopohones du Nunavut, with the support from the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, and Canadian Heritage, will be hosting the first Forum on the implementation of the Nunavut Official Languages Act on March 27 and 28, 2009.

On June 4, 2008, the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut made Canadian history by passing a new Official Languages Act. Once ratified by the Government of Canada, this ambitious act will grant equal status to Inuktitut, French, and English on the Territory of Nunavut. Organized by the AFN, the Forum will facilitate, stimulate, and articulate the implementation of the new legislation. More specifically, the Forum will inform the public on the prospects and challenges in implementing the act.

A good part of the Forum will be devoted to Franco-Nunavummiut youth, with school visits and information/awareness workshops covering the following topics:

- Respecting differences

- Reconciling two cultures within you: complementarity and conflict

- Assessing your personal identity

Young people will also be invited to share their experience, discuss among themselves, and meet other young people and adults experiencing the same situation.

Various workshops and panel discussions will take place during the two days of the Forum. These events will be hosted by people from the community and the Franco-Canadian sphere. Special guests will also take part in the activities. All participants will have the opportunity to share their opinions in the language of their choice. From the proceedings of the Forum and the testimonies garnered, we will put together a report for the Government of Nunavut and the Association des francophones du Nunavut.

Two large-scale shows are also scheduled: a youth-centered show at Inukshuk High School and another show at the Arctic Winter Games Arena for Forum attendees and the community, featuring La Maison des cultures nomades, with Samian, Shauit, Elby & Woods, and DJ Mad Eskimo, Agiraqtuq Ensemble with Simeonie Keenainak, and Juan Sebastian Larobina. Also, the food fest, and the Artcirq performers will add a carnival touch to the festivities.

For additional information, please visit the Nunavut Francophone Association website at www.franconunavut.ca

For more information, please contact

Association des francophones du Nunavut
Daniel Cuerrier
867-979-4606, poste 29
cuerrier@nunafranc.ca

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