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

The Mentor-Apprentice Program is a way of learning an Indigenous language where a fluent speaker of the language (mentor) teaches a committed language learner (an apprentice) by doing everyday activities using only their Indigenous language.

Interested language learners must find a mentor willing to teach their language. Indigenous language speakers interested in being mentors and teaching their language must find an apprentice. 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 about 5-7 hours per week together during the program. Mentor-apprentice pairs complete 200 hours of language immersion over approximately nine months starting in May 2026.

The program is open to learners of all levels. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Pairs are paid for their time in the program with funding from both the Government of the Northwest Territories and their Indigenous government. Up to ten pairs per Indigenous government partnership will be selected to participate.

The deadline to apply is February 28, 2026.

This year’s program (2025-2026) has 53 pairs. Apply for next year’s program and be a part of the Mentor-Apprentice Program’s continued success. This program plays a significant role in revitalizing Indigenous languages and in achieving the shared vision of a territory where Indigenous languages are supported, respected and thriving.

For more information or to apply, visit www.ece.gov.nt.ca/MAP, call (867) 767-9346 ext. 71044, or email Indigenous_languages@gov.nt.ca.

For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
agata_gutkowska@gov.nt.ca