International forum on the preservation and promotion of Indigenous and Minority Languages in the North

International forum on the preservation and promotion of Indigenous and Minority Languages of the North

Status :
Available

Strengthening languages, cultures, and ways of living together

Join an international gathering where Elders, researchers, educators, community leaders and innovators from the North and beyond come together to imagine the future of Indigenous and minority languages.

Throughout this event, we will explore concrete approaches, exchange proven practices and strategies, and reflect collectively on innovative solutions to support linguistic revitalization within our communities.

Take part in this co-creation space, online or in person in Yellowknife, to strengthen connections, amplify voices, and advance the vitality of Northern languages.

Let's unite our voices and share innovative solutions to support language sustainability and growth.
Register today and be part of the movement!

Why attend the event?

The International Forum on the Preservation and Promotion of Indigenous and Minority Languages is a space for exchange, reflection, and action, bringing together experts, community actors, educators, and cultural practitioners to address the challenges faced by languages in the North and beyond.

Over two days, presentations and panels will:

  • explore current linguistic revitalization issues
  • examine models of intergenerational transmission
  • discuss technologies and practices that foster language sustainability

More than an event, it is a unique opportunity, in person or online, to share practices, build bridges, and celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of the North.

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This forum is made possible thanks to the financial support of our partners Global Affairs Canada and Canada Arctic.

Languages
French, English, Tłı̨chǫ
When
Price
Free
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Event schedule

Day 1: Monday, February 9, 2026 - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MST)

8:30-9:00 a.m.

Participant welcome with breakfast buffet available 

9:00-10:00 a.m.

 Opening by the YKDFN Drummers and welcome remarks from Tłı̨chǫ Elder Rosa Mantla, Minister Caitlyn Cleveland, Kirsi Latola, and Patrick Arsenault

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Participant introductions

12:00-12:20 p.m.

Break with refreshments

12:20-1:05 p.m.

Panel 1 - Working Together: Interdisciplinary collaboration and transboundary partnerships

1:05-2:00 p.m.

Lunch break with lunch buffet available

2:00-2:45 p.m.

Presentation: Navigating the development of the Indigenous Language Fluency Transfer System in Lingít  

2:45-3:30 p.m.

Panel 2 - Language, Wellness, and Intergenerational Connection

3:30-3:45 p.m.

Break with refreshments

3:45-4:30 p.m.

Concurrent sessions (choose 1) 
Session 1 - Resilient Voices: Sustaining Languages in Minority Contexts /
Session 2 - Making Language Revitalization Sustainable through Leadership and Systemic Change 

4:30-5:00 p.m.

Closing - Song by Shúhtaǫt'ine Elder Paul Andrew 

Day 2: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MST)

8:30-9:00 a.m.

Participant welcome with breakfast buffet available

9:00-9:15 a.m.

Lighting of the Qulliq with Inuk Elder Rassi Nashalik

9:15-10:15 a.m.

Panel 3 - Amplifying Voices: The Importance of Broadcasting, Interpretation, and Translation

10:15-10:30 a.m.

Break with refreshments

10:30 -11:30 a.m.

Panel 4 - Collaborative post-secondary approach to Indigenous Language Revitalization

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Lunch break with lunch buffet available

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Presentation and panel: Supporting Language Revitalization through Language Technologies and Artificial Intelligence

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Co-creation of Thematic Network: Name and next steps  

2:30-2:45 p.m.

Break with refreshments

2:45-4:30 p.m.

Closing sharing circle

4:30-5:00 p.m.

Closing - Drum dance by Julia Haugaaq Ogina, Jerry Puglik, and Trisha Ogina

Day 3: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - 7:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. (MST) at Behchokǫ̀

7:30-8:45 a.m.

Bus from Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife to Behchokǫ̀

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Tłı̨chǫ Yatıı̀ Symposium

5:00-6:15 p.m.

Bus from Behchokǫ̀ to Explorer Hotel