A Significant Participation for Collège Nordique at the 2026 National Explore Conference

From February 10 to 12, 2026, Patrick Arsenault, Executive Director of Collège Nordique, participated in the Annual Conference of Explore and Destination Clic Program Directors, held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

This event brings together program directors from across the country as well as government representatives responsible for Explore in the provinces and territories. For the Northwest Territories, Caroline Roux was present, allowing for a strategic working session between Collège Nordique and the territorial representation.

As Collège Nordique prepares to launch Explore in the territory for the first time, this meeting came at a pivotal moment.

Learning from Others to Build Strong Foundations

Throughout the workshops and discussions, program directors shared successful practices, lessons learned, and adjustments made over the years. Conversations focused on pedagogical models, cohort management, psychosocial support, the inclusion of Indigenous participants, the management of programs for minors, and adapting to the evolving profiles of 2026 participants.

Discussions also addressed very practical realities, including housing challenges, a very real issue in Yellowknife. Despite these constraints, Patrick remains confident.

“Yes, there are challenges, particularly related to housing capacity. However, we are working very hard to offer an unforgettable experience. The North has something unique to offer, and the students who come here will experience far more than a simple language stay.”

This exchange of expertise enables Collège Nordique to launch Explore on a foundation informed by fifty years of national experience.

A Strong Voice on Linguistic Insecurity

One particularly impactful moment of the conference was the keynote presentation by Marie-Ève Bouchard, Associate Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of British Columbia, on linguistic insecurity.

Her work highlights the process of linguistic delegitimization and reminds us that the development of linguistic security does not rest solely on the shoulders of speakers, but also on the community that surrounds them.

In a context such as the Northwest Territories, where Francophone communities operate in a minority yet dynamic environment, this reflection carries particular significance.

Patrick Arsenault notes:

“Welcoming Explore to the Northwest Territories for the first time is not simply about offering an immersion program. It is about recognizing that French is an official language of Canada and of the Northwest Territories. It is about acknowledging that French is part of our linguistic reality, that it is possible to live in French here, and that we share a collective responsibility to create spaces where it can thrive.”

He also points out that the Northwest Territories ranks among the provinces and territories with the highest rates of bilingualism in the country, a strong indicator of the territory’s linguistic openness.

“We have committed Francophones here, but also many Francophiles. Explore represents an exceptional opportunity to strengthen participants’ linguistic confidence, to promote French in a minority context, and to demonstrate that the North is fully part of the Canadian Francophonie.”

Supporting the Inclusion of Indigenous Participants

Patrick was also particularly engaged by the workshops focused on the inclusion of Indigenous participants in the Explore program.

The strategies presented, including pre-program support, adapted communication approaches, and the creation of inclusive learning environments, resonate strongly with Northern realities. In a territory marked by cultural and linguistic diversity, these approaches are especially relevant.

These discussions reinforce the importance of thoughtful, human-centered programming that is adapted to the local context.

Strengthening the Pan-Canadian Network

The conference also provided Patrick with the opportunity to meet representatives from the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, who presented an update on the Explore program.

Patrick also noted the remarkable level of interest in Explore this year. Collège Nordique received a number of applications well beyond its expectations, a clear sign of the strong interest in learning French across the country.

This participation marks a first for the Northwest Territories. It also provided an opportunity to highlight territorial realities, which often differ from those of more populous provinces. The professional relationships established and renewed during the conference will help support the development of the program and, more broadly, Collège Nordique’s initiatives in support of minority Francophone communities and post-secondary development in the North.

A Program That Transforms Pathways

After fifty years of existence, Explore continues to shape the educational journeys of thousands of students across the country.

Patrick reflects:

“Rare are the events that feel this heartwarming. Explore transforms pathways, including my own. The impact is very clear. It is inspiring, it is meaningful, and it is a privilege to contribute to its development in turn and for the first time in the Northwest Territories. I am proud to take part in its implementation here, so that it can in turn reach other participants.”

The conference concluded with a musical performance by a Fransaskois artist, highlighting the richness and vitality of Francophone communities in minority contexts.

Collège Nordique thanks the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, for funding the travel and for its continued commitment to official languages programs across the country.