Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Dorothy Myo has been appointed Canada’s new Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, taking on the role as the office faces questions about its operations and financial management.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Myo was raised on Saulteaux First Nation in Saskatchewan and speaks Cree and Saulteaux.
She has worked previously in senior roles with various Indigenous organizations both federal and provincial, including as head of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre.
Myo was not available for an interview.
The role of Indigenous languages commissioner was established in response to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action. Call to Action 15 urged the federal government to appoint a commissioner to promote Indigenous languages and assess the adequacy of federal funding for language initiatives.
After the passing of the Indigenous Languages Act in 2019, Ronald E. Ignace was appointed Canada’s first Commissioner of Indigenous Languages in 2021.
Candice St-Aubin, interim commissioner of Indigenous languages, in Ottawa on Aug. 5. (Justin Tang/Canadian Press)
The commissioner is appointed to a five-year term by the Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the minister of Canadian Heritage, after consultations with Indigenous communities and leadership.
Myo replaces interim commissioner Candice St-Aubin, who congratulated her in a statement from the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages on Tuesday.
“At a time when the need for concerted efforts and investments in Indigenous language revitalization is so urgent, the commission’s mandate carries profound meaning,” said St-Aubin in the statement.
“I am confident that her knowledge, experience, and leadership will help guide the commission into its next chapter.”
St-Aubin stepped into the role in July at the end of former commissioner Ignace’s term.
Office faces allegations
The office is under scrutiny after the department of Canadian Heritage received allegations from former employees in April 2025 of a toxic workplace and poor financial decisions. The allegations included concerns about a $10 million language gathering.
In response to the concerns, the Department of Canadian Heritage hired an independent third-party firm to conduct a financial audit of the office. The firm selected to perform the audit was contracted in January 2026.
No timeline has been announced for when the review will be completed.
The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages said in an emailed statement to CBC Indigenous that it expects to emerge from the department’s examination with stronger internal procedures.
The statement said along with the special review from Canadian Heritage, a series of third-party reviews to address workplace concerns were also conducted. Myo will review those findings.
“Our objective remains that the Office can continue to grow based on high standards for performance and serve Indigenous Peoples and communities effectively,” said the statement.
