The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is now accepting applications for the Mentor-Apprentice Program.

The Mentor-Apprentice Program is a way of learning an Indigenous language where a fluent speaker of the language (a mentor) teaches a committed language learner (an apprentice) through immersion.

The goal of the program is to have apprentices increase their ability to understand and speak their language by “living life in the language.” Spoken language is the focus of the program.

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of February 14-20, 2023

Ministerial Travel

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of February 13, 2023.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is accepting proposals for its NWT Arts Council Grants from artists and organizations planning visual, literary, media and performing arts projects, artwork, or events in the Northwest Territories (NWT) from April 2023 to March 2024.

The maximum funding amount is $15,000 and funding must be spent by March 31, 2024.

This funding supports and encourages the ongoing professional development, artistic work, and public presentation on a project-specific basis.

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Mr. Speaker, February is Indigenous Languages Month in the Northwest Territories.

Following Portion will be spoken in Cree [This month we highlight the importance of language revitalization and celebrate our diverse Indigenous languages.] Resume English

This month, let us celebrate the territory’s nine Indigenous languages and learn about the important role language revitalization plays in advancing reconciliation in a real and meaningful way.

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Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to working with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations on conservation in the Northwest Territories. 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has spent the last three years implementing establishment agreements, drafting site-specific regulations, and establishing management boards for existing territorial protected areas, Thaidene Nene and Ts’ude Nilįné Tuyeta.

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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this House that the draft NWT Energy Management Strategy is out for public feedback until February 21, 2023.  

This strategic approach will support both Housing NWT’s energy goals and objectives, as well the strategic objectives of the GNWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy, and a long-term view towards guiding energy management decisions and investments. The strategy will also support skills training, economic development opportunities and more reliable and sustainable energy systems for Housing NWT. 

The Northwest Territories Geological Survey is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Northwest Territories (NWT) Mining Incentive Program. 

The Mining Incentive Program provides funding support to prospectors and exploration companies who propose a new exploration project or are already carrying out mineral exploration work in the NWT.

The deadline for applications is April 28, 2023.

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Mr. Speaker, last month I attended the annual Association for Mineral Exploration Roundup conference in Vancouver with fellow Cabinet Members and government officials. We were there to advance this Legislative Assembly’s priorities to increase resource exploration and development in our territory; adopt a benefit retention approach to economic development; make strategic infrastructure investments; and, to identify, prioritize, and strengthen key actions to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

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Mr. Speaker, the Northwest Territories transportation system is critical to connect residents and communities, to support the economy and to allow for the delivery of goods and services. 

Our government is committed to improving, maintaining and expanding our highway system to offer safe and reliable infrastructure that can adapt to the effects of time and climate change, while also creating training and employment opportunities for our residents.

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Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleagues back for the February – March 2023 sitting of the 19th Legislative Assembly. I hope you all had an opportunity over the last few months to spend time in your constituencies hearing from residents and stakeholders so that we can collectively and collaboratively work together to advance the priorities of the people who elected us to represent them.