Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea
My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul
2022 marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages, which recognises the right to revitalise and promote languages, and linguistic diversity around the world.
Many indigenous languages are in a critical state. This initiative aims to help the global community work together to preserve these languages for generations to come.
In these messages, Dame Cindy Kiro (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu) and her Canadian counterpart Mary Simon (Inuk), speak about importance of te reo Māori and Inuit languages, and the efforts to revitalise them in Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada. Governor-General Mary Simon's message will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information about the New Zealand National Commission and their work on indigenous language and knowledge, click here.