The Mentor-Apprentice Program is looking for new apprentices who want to learn their language

The Government of the Northwest Territories is now accepting applications from new apprentices for the Mentor-Apprentice Program.

The Mentor-Apprentice Program is a way of learning an Indigenous language by having a fluent speaker of the language (a mentor) teaching a committed language learner (an apprentice) by doing everyday activities using only their Indigenous language. The program aims to increase apprentices' ability to understand and speak their language by “living life in the language”.

The pair must agree to spend roughly 7-10 hours per week together during the program. Mentor-apprentice pairs will complete 200 hours of language immersion over approximately nine months starting in May 2024.

The program is open to learners of all levels. Pairs are paid for their time in the program with funding from both the GNWT and their Indigenous Government. 10 pairs per Indigenous Government partnership will be selected to participate.

Training is provided for:

• Dene Kǝdǝ́
• Dëne Sųłıné
• Dene Zhatıé
• Dinjii Zhu’ Ginjik
• Inuinnaqtun
• Inuvialuktun
• nēhiyawēwin
• Tłı̨chǫ

The deadline to apply is February 10, 2024.

To learn more, or to apply, visit www.ece.gov.nt.ca/MAP or email Indigenous_languages@gov.nt.ca.

For media requests, please contact:
Briony Grabke
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
briony_grabke@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9352  Ext. 71073