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) 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 a lot of time together, usually about 5-7 hours per week during the program. Mentor-apprentice pairs complete 200 hours of language immersion over approximately nine months starting in May 2026. Pairs must submit regular reporting logs demonstrating their Indigenous language learning.

Pairs are paid for their time in the program with funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories and their Indigenous Government. Ten pairs from each Indigenous Government will be selected to participate.

Training is provided for:

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

• Any adult 18 years of age or older.

Priority will be given to:

• Indigenous applicants who live in the Northwest Territories.
• Applicants who commit to sharing their language with others upon completing the program. This includes teachers, child care workers, parents, or those actively engaged in language programming in their community.

Applying for the Mentor-Apprentice Program as either a fluent Indigenous language speaker (mentor), or a committed learner (apprentice) will help support the revitalization and longevity of Indigenous languages and culture.

As a mentor, you have the chance to share your language knowledge and ensure future generations can communicate in the traditional languages of this land.

As an apprentice, you get the opportunity to learn from and build a relationship with an experienced and fluent mentor. As you become more fluent, you can teach others the language, creating ripple effects in your community.

Mentor-apprentice language learning has many positive ripple effects that are deep and far reaching.