In a significant move, the federal government has initiated a financial audit of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, following anonymous complaints regarding its operations. Established just five years ago in response to recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, this office has been under scrutiny for its alleged failure to effectively support Indigenous languages in Canada.
Government’s Response to Allegations
Canadian Heritage has confirmed that it has received anonymous allegations against the commissioner’s office. In a recent statement, the department announced it has engaged an independent third-party firm to conduct a special examination as mandated by the Indigenous Languages Act. This review aims to assess whether the office’s financial practices and record-keeping align with the required standards set forth in the legislation. However, no timeline has been provided for the audit’s completion.
The commissioner’s office has been accused by several former employees of not making meaningful progress in its mission to bolster Indigenous languages. Instead, they claim the office has prioritised extravagant travel and hosting large conferences. A notable example is last year’s $10 million expenditure for a four-day conference in Ottawa, which has drawn criticism from Indigenous language advocates.
Criticism of Conference Expenditures
Patricia Ningewance, a respected Ojibwe speaker and associate professor at the University of Manitoba, expressed her disappointment regarding the conference’s execution. “It seemed they did not know what they were doing,” she remarked. “With that kind of funding, the focus should have been on creating tangible outcomes rather than just a grand event.” Ningewance noted the absence of follow-up on any recommendations made during the conference, questioning the efficacy of such spending when the funds could have been directed towards teaching and revitalising Indigenous languages.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission had highlighted the urgent need for an Indigenous languages commissioner in its 2015 report, emphasising that around 70 Indigenous languages were at risk of extinction. The subsequent Indigenous Languages Act, passed in 2019, led to the establishment of the commissioner’s office, which is tasked with aiding Indigenous Peoples in reclaiming and revitalising their languages, while also promoting public awareness and supporting research initiatives.
Allegations of Workplace Misconduct
Concerns regarding the internal environment of the commissioner’s office have also surfaced, with sources alleging a toxic workplace culture and inadequate handling of bullying claims. Documents obtained reveal that employees had raised numerous issues regarding the office’s human resources practices, which they claim have been largely overlooked. “It was very much an eggshell environment,” one source stated, indicating a culture of fear and chaos that has reportedly led to high employee turnover.
While the commissioner’s office acknowledged receiving three formal complaints about bullying, it claimed that investigations were conducted and personnel changes were made. It also stated its commitment to hiring an advisor to enhance its governance and human resources practices, aiming to create a more respectful and effective working environment.
In its defence, the office asserted that travel forms a minimal part of its budget, around five per cent, and is essential for engaging with Indigenous communities across Canada. This claim comes amidst accusations that the office has been more focused on lavish travel and expansive conferences than on its core mandate of language revitalisation.
Future Directions and Funding
The federal government has granted substantial funding to the commissioner’s office, including a multi-year agreement worth $51.6 million, alongside a five-year contribution deal totalling $16.3 million and a ten-year grant of $172.3 million to support various language initiatives. However, it remains unclear how effectively these funds are being utilised, particularly in light of the complaints and the ongoing audit.
As the current term for Commissioner Ronald Ignace and his team approaches its end on July 11, there is a growing sense of urgency to address these issues. Ignace has expressed pride in what the office has accomplished thus far, highlighting last year’s conference and a documentary showcasing Indigenous artists.
Why it Matters
The scrutiny faced by the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages underscores a broader concern about the preservation of Indigenous languages in Canada, many of which are classified as endangered by UNESCO. With the legacy of residential schools lingering, the urgency to revitalise these languages has never been greater. The outcome of the audit and the subsequent actions taken by the commissioner’s office could significantly impact the future of Indigenous language initiatives and the communities that rely on them for cultural survival and identity. As Indigenous Peoples strive to reclaim their languages, the effectiveness of the commissioner’s office will be pivotal in determining whether these languages can endure or fade into obscurity.
