UPDATE: Internet service has been restored

Dr. Candace Manitopyes, aka The Relentless Indigenous Woman, is working with Elders and Language Keepers in the North and across Turtle Island on relaunching an Indigenous languages program. Dr. Manitopyes says there is an urgency to support Indigenous language learning, especially for Northern First Nations communities, where culturally responsive community rooted resources are even more scarce.

“The language is who we are. Language is our Elders. Language is what makes us who we are,” said Paul Andrew, who emceed a special gathering in Yellowknife that included mentors and apprentice Indigenous language learners, their families, organizers and community leaders. This year’s cohort engaged in learned the languages of Gwich’in, Tłı̨chǫ, Inuvialuktun, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut,Dene Kede, Dene Zhatıé, Nêhiyawêwin, Dëne Sųłıné and Wı̀ılı̀ıdeh. 

The territorial government will soon begin offering all services in each of the 11 official languages including the nine Indigenous languages of Dinjii Zhu Ginjik (Gwich’in), ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ (Inuktitut), Inuvialuktun, Inuinnaqtun, Dene Kǝdǝ́/ Sahtúot'ı̨nę Yatı̨ (North Slavey), Dene Zhatıé (South Slavey), Tłı̨chǫ, Dëne Sųłıné (Chipewyan) and Nëhiyawëwin (Cree). Previously, the services had been available in English and French only.

The NWT Literacy Council has started a new funding program to help support Indigenous language revitalization. Kathryn Barry Paddock, Executive Director of the NWT Literacy Council made the announcement that the organization is promoting more funding and the creation of more accessible spaces for Indigenous language through "Language Cafe" events.

The city of Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Iqaluit signed a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday at a summit in Whitehorse. The agreement is aimed at building collaboration between the three communities as among the major hubs and capital cities of the North.