The GNWT has been working with the Federal Government on developing a new agreement focussed on Indigenous languages.
Known as the “Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement on Indigenous Languages from 2024-25 to 2026-27,” this deal sees $5.9 million invested every year for three years to Indigenous governments, organizations, and education bodies to help support their language programs and initiatives.
This agreement will try to meet these goals by going through language learning and development programs, as well as community based cultural programs and resources. Indigenous media and broadcasting will also be utilized, affirming the idea that Indigenous governments have the right to decide how to lead and manage their own language revitalization efforts.
In a statement, Caitlin Cleveland, the Minister of Education, Culture, and Employment, said that this agreement “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.”
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.
