International Mother Language Day Proclamation for the Province of British Columbia

by British Columbia Ministry of Justice in the name of Elizabeth II

Canada
Province of British Columbia

A Proclamation

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith

To all to whom these presents shall come — Greeting

 

WHEREAS a mother language is vital to every individual's sense of identity and development, and

WHEREAS language is the cornerstone of culture and is the means of communication among people, and

WHEREAS 26 percent of people in B.C. speak a language other than English or French as their first language, and

WHEREAS linguistic diversity and multiculturalism enriches the lives of all British Columbians, and respect, dialogue, and dignity are integral to Canadian values, and

WHEREAS British Columbia can act as a leader in advocating for languages of First Nations and those brought by generations of immigrants to British Columbia, including Braille and Sign Languages, by respectfully observing International Mother Language Day, and

WHEREAS many of the 6500 languages in this world will cease to be spoken with the passing of the last generation to speak them, and

WHEREAS at the General Conference of the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it was unanimously agreed to observe International Mother Language Day on February 21 in each and every year;

NOW KNOW YE THAT we do by these presents proclaim and declare that February 21, 2015 shall be known as

"International Mother Language Day"

in the Province of British Columbia.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Our Province to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS, The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of Our Province of British Columbia, in Our City of Victoria, in Our Province, this fourth day of February, two thousand fifteen and in the sixty-third year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND.

 

SAnton

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Attorney General and Minister of Justice
(counter signature for the Great Seal)

Judith Guichon

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Lieutenant Governor