The Manitoba government is piloting a new project to translate Hansard into the seven Indigenous languages used in Manitoba starting with Anishinaabemowin, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.
“This project will generate a huge amount of Indigenous language text, which will help language learners, teachers and artificial intelligence researchers work with our province’s first languages,” said Kinew. “I’m proud to announce this initiative on National Indigenous Languages Day, which honours the languages of the Anishinaabemowin, Dakota, Cree, Anisininew, Métis, Inuit and Dene Peoples in Manitoba.”
Hansard is the official transcript of the debates and proceedings of the legislative assembly of Manitoba. The service will initially be focused on Anishinaabemowin, with an eye toward expanding to the other six Indigenous languages spoken in Manitoba once the pilot project returns successful results, noted the premier.
The premier noted beginning this spring language experts will work together to create accurate translations of French and English legislation into Anishinaabemowin, which is a very different language, including potentially coining new words and phrases to capture government business. The service will focus primarily on translating the official proceedings of the legislature but may expand to translate materials such as mandate letters and other government releases, added Kinew.
National Indigenous Languages Day on March 31 honours the diverse languages of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and supports efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages to ensure they continue to thrive for future generations, noted the premier.
The recruitment process to hire two Indigenous translators to support the project has begun. Interested applicants can visit Manitoba Government Job Opportunities | Your search is over to learn more or apply.
