Annual gathering honours mentors and apprentices on their Indigenous language journey

Press Release

February 24, 2026

Language learners and speakers from across the NWT gathered this week in Yellowknife for the annual Mentor-Apprentice Program gathering to celebrate the achievements of the 2025–26 cohort.

The nine-month program pairs fluent Indigenous language speakers with apprentices for 200 hours of one-on-one learning. The program gives apprentices the chance to strengthen fluency, gain confidence, and use their language in everyday life, while giving mentors the opportunity to pass their knowledge and language on to the next generation.

This year’s gathering honoured 33 pairs who completed 200 hours, the highest number of pairs ever. Participants took part in oral proficiency assessments, a wellness sharing circle, and program feedback sessions to support continuous improvements in speaking their Indigenous language while celebrating personal and collective growth.

The Gathering, occurring yesterday and today, was also a timely way to celebrate Indigenous Languages Month under this year’s theme, Indigenous Languages Work. This theme explores the ways in which Indigenous languages can be used in workplaces, professional settings, and to build careers. The Mentor-Apprentice Program supports this vision by helping learners develop practical fluency, confidence, and skills that, with practice, can be applied in daily life, work, and community leadership.

Applications for the 2026–27 Mentor-Apprentice Program are open until February 28, 2026. Any adult 18 years of age or older can apply with priority being given to Indigenous applicants who live in the Northwest Territories and applicants who commit to sharing their language with others upon completing the program.

To apply or learn more, visit www.ece.gov.nt.ca/MAP, call (867) 767-9346 ext. 71044, or email Indigenous_languages@gov.nt.ca.

Quote:

“The Mentor-Apprentice Program goes beyond language learning—it’s a collaborative experience where mentors and apprentices share traditional knowledge, culture, and ways of life. The dedication of this year’s participants is inspiring, and by partnering with Indigenous governments and communities to support programs like this, we help ensure Indigenous languages and the rich traditions and knowledge they carry are passed on to future generations.”

– Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

• The NWT is the only jurisdiction in Canada that recognizes 11 Official Languages. Of these languages, nine are Indigenous: Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Zhatıé, Dinjii Zhuh Ginjik, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, nēhiyawēwin, and Tłı̨chǫ.
• The Mentor-Apprentice Program relies on its partnership with the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Gwich’in Tribal Council, Sahtu Dene Council, Dehcho First Nations, Tłı̨chǫ Government, NWT Métis Nation and Akaitcho Territory Government who support the Mentor-Apprentice Program across the territory.
• Over 185 people have participated in the Mentor-Apprentice Program since its first full delivery in 2020/21.
• Mentor-Apprentice Program pairs are paid for their time in the program with funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories and their Indigenous Government.

Related links

• Mentor-Apprentice Program
• Indigenous Languages Month
• Official Languages of the Northwest Territories
• Indigenous Languages and Education Secretariat

For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca

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