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.

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC), Naka Power Utilities (NWT) Ltd. (NAKA), with the support of the GNWT, are launching public engagement on the Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP), a major multi-year effort led by the NWT Public Utilities Board (PUB) to plan the future of electricity across the territory.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is releasing new flood hazard and flood inundation maps for five of the ten communities at highest risk of river flooding in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Informed by community input, the latest available information on flood hazard areas, and the impacts of climate change, the new flood maps replace existing maps that were completed in the 1980s.

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.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)  will upgrade the NWT eServices Portal in March 2026 to improve security and user experience.

As part of this  upgrade, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and a new email-based login system will be introduced, replacing the current NTKey and Interac Sign-In Partner login methods.

Legal and medical professionals can now apply to serve on the NWT Mental Health Act Review Board. The Board reviews matters involving involuntary admissions under the Mental Health Act. Members bring legal or medical expertise to support fair, timely hearings.

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.

Premier R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today, following the Government of Canada’s announcement of the launch of a new Defence Industrial Strategy:

“On behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, I welcome Prime Minister Carney’s launch of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. The Strategy’s strong focus on research, innovation, and dual-use technologies is particularly relevant to the North.

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.