Indigenous leaders say Quebec’s language bill puts their languages at risk

QUEBEC — Indigenous leaders in Quebec say the government’s French-language bill is destructive, paternalistic and could put the survival of First Nations languages at risk. 

Ghislain Picard, chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, told reporters today that Bill 96 would push Indigenous students to pursue higher education outside the province.

Bill 96 would require students at the province’s English-language junior colleges to take three additional classes in French before graduating and moving on to university.

Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, grand chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, located near Montreal, says Indigenous leaders want to be consulted about the bill and its impacts on their communities.