Building Capacity Within the Tłı̨chǫ Government

On November 26 and 27, seven staff members from the Tłı̨chǫ Government’s Department of Culture and Lands Protection (DCLP) completed an intensive project management training delivered by Collège Nordique. This customized training is part of an ongoing partnership that aims to strengthen autonomy, organization, and leadership within DCLP teams dedicated to cultural and language revitalization. 

A Training Rooted in Tłı̨chǫ Realities 

Designed specifically to align with the needs and priorities of DCLP’s language strategy, the 10-hour training was grounded in the real projects from their 2025–2026 work plan, including on-the-land language camps, youth and family immersion programs, the development of educational resources (songs, books, teaching materials), and radio programming. 

Three project managers from Collège Nordique—Édouard Debeugny, Christine Nguini, and Lucas Beaudre—were present throughout the training to support and guide participants. This individualized approach made it possible to: 

• tailor tools to the DCLP’s organizational context 
• integrate new skills directly into Microsoft Planner and Teams 
• co-design concrete, operational project plans 
• strengthen collaboration between the Tłı̨chǫ Government and Collège Nordique  

Rosie Benning, Director of Education and Training at Collège Nordique, also joined the sessions to help coordinate joint initiatives and ensure alignment with ongoing partnership work. 

Training Objectives 

The training aimed to: 

• Develop a solid understanding of the project lifecycle, from ideation to initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, using a structured and repeatable process. 
• Equip employees with practical tools and confidence to design and manage effective projects from start to finish 
• Strengthen evaluation and reporting skills to assess project outcomes, determine whether projects should continue or evolve, and support organizational decision-making 

A Practical, Collaborative, and Motivating Approach 

On the first day, teams explored the foundations of project management—SMART objectives, risk management, indicators, and change management. They then applied these concepts to existing programs, including the Tłı̨chǫ Yatıı̀ on-the-land camps, before building detailed plans in Microsoft Planner. 

The second day focused entirely on hands-on application. With guidance from Collège Nordique’s project managers, participants created project plans for: 

• Tłı̨chǫ Chants & Finger Plays 
• Children’s Song Book & Language Learning Resources 
• Radio Programming & Broadcasting 

Tu Immediate Impacts for the DCLP Teams 

Participant feedback highlighted a meaningful shift in the way teams approach their work: 

“ I feel more organized and relieved that I can monitor my teams’ programs to be able to report progress to senior management.” — Jacynthia Rabesca 

“ What I learned here is totally new to me. I learned so much.” — Josie Sangris Bishop 

“ Planner has lots of good info and helpful tips on creating your own tasks. It’s good to use because you can share it with other people and give each other updates.” — Tracy Smith 

“ Masì to the trainers. You were hands on and helpful. I liked working together to plan out projects.” — Shantelle Smith 

These reflections illustrate increased confidence, renewed interest in digital tools, and a stronger foundation for structuring community-driven initiatives. 

A Partnership That Truly Makes a Difference 

What stood out most was how practical and immediately relevant the training was. Every tool, example, and discussion was directly connected to the real projects the DCLP team leads in their communities. 

The working environment also played a major role. Participants were engaged, curious, and generous in their exchanges, creating genuine moments of co-learning and shared problem-solving. Ideas emerged naturally, project plans took shape, and at times, inspiration sparked right in the middle of an exercise. 

For many team members, discovering new ways to organize their work was eye-opening—a clearer path to collaboration, follow-up, and shared responsibility. These tools offer concrete ways to reduce workload, support teamwork, and bring renewed clarity to complex projects. 

Most importantly, the training fully respected the cultural, linguistic, and organizational realities of the Tłı̨chǫ Government. It was tailored and shaped in collaboration using TG’s language strategy, which is “grounded in the voices and lived experiences of Tłı̨chǫ people.”  

Recognizing the Participants 

Collège Nordique warmly congratulates: 
Tracy Smith, Jacynthia Rabesca, Josie Sangris Bishop, Louisa Beaverho, Shantelle Smith, Elsie Mantla, and Alicia Whane, who completed the training with dedication. 

Their achievement reflects their commitment to language revitalization, community organization, and cultural transmission. 

Continuing a Meaningful Partnership 

Collège Nordique is proud to support the Tłı̨chǫ Government in its work to strengthen language, culture, and education across the region.

Collège Nordique is proud to support the Tłı̨chǫ Government in its work to strengthen language, culture, and education across the region. This collaboration aligns with the College’s mission: to offer training adapted to Northern realities and to contribute to the growth of individuals, organizations, and communities throughout the Northwest Territories. 

Published on December 19th 2025