Arctic Peoples

The Saami Parliament in Norway has released the first public version of a Saami “spell checker” and other proofing tools. This is a milestone in Saami computing history, and is part of various different efforts to ensure that indigenous languages can be used with modern computer technology. Microsoft has been developing some of its programs in indigenous languages, including Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit, and a Greenlandic spell checker has already been developed.

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By Colleen Henry

As an intern for the Indigenous Peoples’ Secretariat, I was recently asked to investigate, interview and report on an Arctic leader for an International Insititute of Sustainable Development newsletter. After a great deal of reflection I decided that an entity, not an individual, should be highlighted as an Arctic leader. And for good reason.

In the early days Sámi language and culture faced the threat of extinction as the governments of Norway, Sweden and Finland encouraged and promoted assimilation of Sámi into mainstream society. Since then the language and culture have been strengthened by Sámi Radio’s broadcasts. Read the rest of this entry »

Oqaasileriffik – the Greenland Language Secretariat launches the first version of Kukkuniiaat, an intelligent Greenlandic spell checker and hyphenation tool, which can be used in Microsoft Word and other programs in Office.
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