First Nations leaders want Quebec to drop plans for Indigenous language law – Montreal Gazette

“By virtue of their inherent right to self-government, First Nations elect their own government and have the legitimacy to adopt their own laws.”

QUEBEC — Indigenous Peoples are calling on the Coalition Avenir Québec government to scrap plans to table legislation to protect First Nation languages and culture.

The First Nations Education Council, representing eight First Nations of Quebec, has issued a statement saying it is “inconceivable that the government legislate unilaterally on languages without their consent.”

“Let us recall that by virtue of their inherent right to self-government, First Nations elect their own government and have the legitimacy to adopt their own laws,” the council said. “Anything related to their languages and cultures remains under the purview of First Nations themselves.”

The issue of Indigenous languages came up during the 2022 adoption process for Bill 96, overhauling the Charter of the French Language.

Read More: https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/first-nations-leaders-want-quebec-to-drop-plans-for-indigenous-language-law