Province seeking two Indigenous language preservation positions

The province is hiring two full time Indigenous language preservation positions. (File)

Manitoba is hiring two full-time positions to help preserve Indigenous languages.

According to a provincial job posting, the Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat (MIRS) is seeking two individuals fluent in Anishinaabemowin as they look to establish an Indigenous languages translation division at the Manitoba Legislature.

The position requires the team to translate Hansard - the official transcripts of the debates and proceedings of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly - and other complex legislative procedural documents into Anishinaabemowin. An expansion to this project to include additional Indigenous languages is also in the works.

The province announced the decision to offer Hansard in Indigenous languages last month.

Based on differences between Anishinaabe cultures and the legislative culture of government, the province notes the successful applicants will have to exercise active language development skills and consult with language experts across the province and country.

The province is hopeful that the positions will help expand a collection of available materials in Anishinaabemowin that can look towards artificial intelligence, machine learning and build upon a cultural resurgence.