Yellowknife — February 1, 2022
February is Indigenous Languages Month in the Northwest Territories (NWT). This year’s theme is “Let’s Go Fishing,” recognizing the important role of our sacred land and resources in cultural traditions, identity and community.
Indigenous Languages Month highlights the NWT’s nine official Indigenous languages and honours the culture and knowledge that each language has carried on for generations. This year’s event is celebrated in partnership with the NWT Literacy Council and encourages all residents to learn about our official Indigenous languages and speak them with pride.
During the month of February, we encourage everyone to celebrate Indigenous languages by speaking in the language of their community or region at home, work or school.
NWT Schools have been provided with an Indigenous Languages Month resource package that includes:
- The “Fishing in Summertime” wordless book (Inuvialuit)
- The translated “Fish for You & Fish for Me!” book (Dene)
- “Checking the Fishnet Yoga” Instructional PDF available in all official Indigenous languages. Check out the video for instruction.
- Fish Chowder recipe cards available in all official Indigenous languages.
For a fun activity, families are encouraged to try making this Fish Chowder using a recipe in one of the NWT’s nine official languages. Follow and share your results on Facebook!
For ideas on how to celebrate Indigenous Languages Month, visit the NWT Literacy Council website or follow them on Facebook.
Quote(s)
“The territory’s nine official Indigenous languages create a strong sense of identity and pride for NWT residents, and we must take action to preserve and revitalize these languages through celebration and practice. As a government, we are committed to taking steps to create an NWT where Indigenous languages are supported, respected and thriving.”
- RJ Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
“The NWT Literacy Council is pleased to partner again with the Indigenous Languages and Education Secretariat to promote February as Indigenous Languages Month. The theme this year is ‘Let’s Go Fishing’. Please help us celebrate the start of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) by participating in events in your community. Follow along on social media and watch for blogs, challenges and other fun ways to celebrate and support Indigenous languages in the NWT.”
- Kathryn Paddock, Executive Director of the NWT Literacy Council
Quick facts
- The NWT is the only jurisdiction in Canada that recognizes 11 Official Languages.
- Of these languages, nine are Indigenous: Chipewyan, Cree, Gwich’in, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, North Slavey, South Slavey, and Tłı̨chǫ.
- Indigenous Languages Month provides an opportunity for all language groups across the NWT to celebrate their languages and culture.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
ecepublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca