Special event The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada

In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL2019), based on a recommendation by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and requested UNESCO to act as UN lead agency for its organization.

Within the framework of the International Year, the Communication and Information Sector of UNESCO and the Permanent Delegation of Canada to UNESCO will hold a special event in the UNESCO Library (UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France) on Monday 18 November 2019 at 14.30 p.m.

The IYIL2019 aims to draw attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote them, and to take further urgent steps at the national and international levels.

Delegates are invited to attend the donation ceremony, by which the Permanent Delegation of Canada to UNESCO will provide a copy of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, that will be available for public consultation and use in the UNESCO Library.

The volumes of the Atlas elaborate the experiences, perspectives, narratives and history of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, exploring a wide range of themes, including language, demographics, economy, environment and culture. The first volume focuses on the reconciliation processes that have brought to the increasing participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making and national development plans in Canada.

The main purpose of the Atlas is not only to document the rich cultures and histories of the indigenous peoples of Canada, but also to increase public understanding about their very importance in society. This objective is aligned with the Action Plan for the implementation of the International Year of Indigenous Languages, that aims to raise awareness of the critical role of indigenous languages for sustainable development, peace-building and reconciliation.