Mr. Speaker, I'd like to start my statement today in Inuvialuktun. [Translation] Mr. Speaker, “let us speak together.” That is the theme of this year’s Indigenous Languages Month, which we celebrate every February. This month, we encourage residents to speak together in homes, in classrooms and in communities. Indigenous Languages Month is a time to honour and celebrate Indigenous languages. This year’s theme emphasizes the collective responsibility in revitalizing our Indigenous languages. Every conversation in an Indigenous language strengthens its future.
Mr. Speaker, for generations, colonial policies sought to erase Indigenous languages. That legacy remains, but Indigenous governments, language advocates, and communities continue their work to preserve and promote their languages. The Government of the Northwest Territories stands with them, recognizing that real Reconciliation demands action. [Translation Ends].
Mr. Speaker, I owe a huge amount of gratitude to Beverly Amos for translating that for me today. And to Lillian Elias who joins us here in the House every day, for helping me learn some words. She's always incredibly patient with me and I am forever grateful for her language patience with me, and also her heart in this House.
Mr. Speaker, our Mentor-Apprentice Program is one example of how we support language learning. Each mentor and apprentice pair spend nine months together doing everyday activities like cooking, fishing, having tea, using their Indigenous language only. Last year, 57 pairs accomplished 200 hours of language immersion, developing more fluent Indigenous language speakers in the Northwest Territories.
Over five years, 117 participants have completed their hours. I congratulate all participants for "living life in the language," and I encourage residents to apply before the end of this month for our next intake, Mr. Speaker.
Our commitment extends to schools. Last year, 39 Northwest Territories schools offered Indigenous language programming as a second language. Our Indigenous Languages Secretariat worked with education bodies to implement the Indigenous Languages and Education Handbook, strengthening quality culture and language-based programming.
We also launched the Indigenous Language Instructor Employment Plan, creating new trainee positions where learners develop fluency and instructional skills. Five schools in the Beaufort Delta and Deh Cho regions participated in the pilot, and I would like to see it expanded.
Since 2018, 61 Indigenous language revitalization scholarships have been awarded, including 11 last year. These $5,000 scholarships help students offset the costs of their studies that contribute to revitalizing Indigenous languages.
Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to announce that this year, the GNWT will release the first edition of the Indigenous Languages Services Standards. These standards will guide public servants in meeting Indigenous language service delivery requirements under the Official Languages Act. Every resident has the right to access public services in an official language, and the new standards will help the GNWT fulfill this right.
Mr. Speaker, we have made progress, but we cannot be complacent. Indigenous languages persist thanks to generations of resilience, and we must ensure their survival. The Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to revitalizing Indigenous languages alongside Indigenous champions, elders, and educators. I thank and recognize the Indigenous language speakers who are bringing the language forward for the next generations. Let us continue to speak together. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Quyananni.
Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Infrastructure.
