NationTalk: YELLOWKNIFE – The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories have signed a new Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages from 2024-25 to 2026-27.

Under the new agreement, $5.9 million will be invested per fiscal year, for a total of $17.7 million over three years. The funding is provided to Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, education bodies, communications societies and community radio stations to support their Indigenous language programs and initiatives.

The agreement targets language learning and development, community cultural programs and resources, Indigenous media and broadcasting and Indigenous governments affirming their right to lead and manage their own language revitalization efforts. The GNWT recognizes the importance of these programs and initiatives and remains committed to the implementation of educational opportunities for Indigenous languages.

Quotes:

“The Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages 2024-25 to 2026-27 is a critical agreement that will further support the availability of Indigenous language initiatives, services and instruction across the Northwest Territories. This funding will help bring Indigenous languages into classrooms, organizations, workplaces and communities over the coming years. Through our collective commitment and sustained funding for language revitalization and language access, we will continue to work with Indigenous people and governments to ensure Indigenous languages are protected, promoted and celebrated.”

-Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

“Language is at the core of our culture and our identity, and protecting and promoting Indigenous languages is essential to reconciliation. The renewal of the Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages, ongoing since 1984, underscores our sustained commitment to the revitalization of Indigenous languages in the Territory. By supporting regional Indigenous governments, enhancing Indigenous language programs and aiding Indigenous broadcasting services, we are supporting the reclamation, revitalization, maintenance and strengthening of Indigenous languages.”

-Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“Indigenous languages are essential to the strength and unity of communities in the Northwest Territories. This renewed funding agreement will allow for the continuation of essential work in revitalizing these languages, which are vital to the identity and heritage of our people. By doing so, we ensure that Indigenous voices are heard, taught and seen within the Northwest Territories.”

-Michael V. McLeod, Member of Parliament (Northwest Territories)

Quick Facts:

• Approximately $4.9 million of the funding per fiscal year will go directly to Indigenous governments to support the development of Indigenous language plans and community-based revitalization programs.
• A small portion of the funding from this Agreement is used by the GNWT to deliver the Mentor-Apprentice Program, Indigenous Language Revitalization Scholarships and to administer the Agreement itself.
• The Northwest Territories has 11 official languages: Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Zhatıé, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, English, French, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, nēhiyawēwin and Tłı̨chǫ.

Related Links:

• Indigenous Languages and Education Secretariat
• NWT Indigenous Languages Framework and Action Plan
• GNWT Annual Reports on Official Languages

For media requests, please contact:

Briony Grabke

Manager, Public Affairs and Communications Department of Education, Culture and Employment Government of the Northwest Territories Briony_Grabke@gov.nt.ca

867-767-9352 ext. 71073

Charles Thibault-Béland

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage

charles.thibault-beland@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations

Canadian Heritage

1-819-994-9101

1-866-569-6155

media@pch.gc.ca