Focus Develops Prototype Web-Mapping Application for Canadian Heritage
December 1, 2005

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA-Focus has developed a prototype web-mapping application to assist Canadian Heritage in their continuing study and promotion of Aboriginal languages and cultures in Canada.

Canadian Heritage is a federal government department that is responsible for national policies and programs that promote Canadian content, foster cultural participation, active citizenship and participation in Canada's civic life, and strengthen connections among Canadians.

Focus has created an interactive prototype web-mapping application - the Canadian Heritage Aboriginal Resource Tool (CHART). This prototype integrates cartographic and statistical information on the state of Aboriginal languages in Canada and is intended to assist policy and program development on Aboriginal languages and cultures and to be used as an educational resource. The tool will provide a variety of information in the form of maps, information summaries (snapshots), and fact sheets at the levels of community, city, province, territory, and country.

Canadian Heritage recently presented the CHART prototype at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan. The web-mapping tool was presented, with Focus’ assistance, in the Canada Pavilion at the "International Symposium on the World's Indigenous Languages." The title of the presentation was "Aboriginal Languages in Canada: Canadian Heritage Aboriginal Resource Tool (CHART)."

”We are pleased with the response from Aboriginal language leaders and researchers within Canada and internationally to the potential that the CHART prototype offers,” explains Norman Williams, Director of Aboriginal Policy and Research at Canadian Heritage. “Focus has integrated many layers of important information in a user friendly environment that have received enthusiastic responses. We anticipate that this prototype will guide the development of an accessible, user-friendly, interactive web-based tool for Aboriginal communities, language practitioners, students, educators and researchers. It will eventually encompass not only Aboriginal languages, but also demographic, cultural and traditional information to contribute to a fuller understanding of Aboriginal diversity and cultural richness in Canada.”

Focus is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm providing a range of engineering, geomatics, planning and project management services to clients involved in oil and gas, oil sands, infrastructure, land development and environmental projects. Clients rely on Focus to deliver world-class technical solutions that optimize their investments, improve their competitive position and increase their long-term success. Focus employs over 600 staff in offices throughout Canada and project offices in selected areas of the world.

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