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.

Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker,

Following portion will be spoken in Dëne Sųłıné

[Dëne Dedlıne Ts’ı̨ɂáné Beyatı Za Neba Huzų Nıdé!]

Media are invited to attend the 2025-26 Mentor-Apprentice Program gathering, which honours program participants who completed up to 200 hours of one-on-one language learning over the past nine months.

Media opportunities:

“Yesterday’s announcement from the Government of Canada extending funding for the Inuit Child First Initiative is a welcome signal that the federal government understands how important these supports are for Inuit children and families. Any extension that brings greater certainty in the short term is better than leaving families, educators, and service providers in limbo, and I appreciate the recognition that these programs matter.

Correction: A previous version of this news release incorrectly stated that applications invited through the Expression of Interest draws would be assessed in order of work permit expiry date. The correct process is that invited applications will be assessed in the order they are received.

The Northwest Territories (NWT) Nominee Program’s Employer-Driven and Francophone streams will open on March 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. MST.

The attached PDF is being distributed on behalf of Home Base Yellowknife, Yellowknife Education District No. 1, Yellowknife Catholic Schools, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Media are invited to a news conference announcing the 2026 opening of the Northwest Territories Nominee Program’s Employer-Driven and Francophone streams.

Details will include the 2026 opening date and time, the release of the What We Heard report, and changes to the Employer-Driven Stream.

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. MST
Location: Great Hall, Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly (Yellowknife)

Media are invited to attend the announcement of the Home Base Stabilization Education Program (STEP), a collaborative initiative between Home Base Yellowknife, Yellowknife Education District No. 1, Yellowknife Catholic Schools, and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Operating within Home Base Yellowknife, the program is designed for youth across the Northwest Territories (NWT) whose complex needs — including trauma, housing instability, mental health challenges, and substance use — make it difficult to succeed in traditional school settings. 

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received lead testing results for Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School in Behchokǫ̀ and École St. Joseph School in Yellowknife. Testing has confirmed that some water fixtures show lead levels above the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) set out in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. As a result, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (OCPHO) has issued a Public Health Order for both schools.

Media are invited to a press conference announcing details on the 54th Avenue Housing Project, located at the former Rockhill Apartments site. Details will include the impact on housing and child care availability, as well as updates on the Hilltop Apartments demolition to prepare the site for future development opportunities.

Date: Friday, February 13

Time: 2:30 pm

Location: Great Hall in the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly