Collège Nordique will now play a leading role in international collaboration focused on Indigenous and minority languages.

Meeting in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, during the University of the Arctic (UArctic) Assembly, member institutions unanimously approved the creation of a new thematic network dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indigenous and minority languages. The initiative, led by Collège Nordique, received the support of 179 members and will be coordinated from the Northwest Territories.

The approval marks an important milestone for the French-language post-secondary institution, which has been entrusted with leading an initiative that will bring together partners from across the circumpolar North.

Recognition of Northern leadership

For Collège Nordique, this achievement represents far more than the creation of a new network. It reflects recognition of the expertise the institution has developed over the years in linguistic vitality, cultural transmission and collaboration with communities.

The Northwest Territories are home to a unique linguistic reality. The territory recognizes 11 official languages: nine Indigenous languages, French and English. This exceptional diversity has shaped the work of Collège Nordique since its founding.

As a French-language post-secondary institution operating in a minority-language context, Collège Nordique understands the challenges associated with language transmission, access to education and cultural vitality. For more than a decade, it has also worked alongside governments, organizations and Indigenous communities to support the teaching and revitalization of Indigenous languages.

“Our histories are different, but our future is interconnected. We have much to gain from learning from one another, sharing our practices and building solutions together that reflect Northern realities,” said Patrick Arsenault, President and CEO of Collège Nordique.

A network born from a shared need

The creation of the network builds on conversations that have been taking place across the Arctic for several years.

Although contexts differ from one region to another, Indigenous and minority language communities face many of the same challenges. These include supporting intergenerational language transmission, training new speakers, developing appropriate learning resources and strengthening the presence of their languages within education systems.

These issues were at the heart of the International Forum on the Preservation and Promotion of Indigenous and Minority Languages hosted by Collège Nordique in Yellowknife earlier this year. The event brought together participants from across the North to discuss challenges and opportunities related to language revitalization.

Throughout those discussions, one conclusion became clear: communities would benefit from a permanent space where they could share experiences, successes and lessons learned.

The new thematic network was created to meet that need.

Building collaboration across the circumpolar North

The network aims to connect educational institutions, communities, researchers and organizations working to preserve and promote Indigenous and minority languages.

In practical terms, it will support the organization of international forums and webinars, the sharing of promising practices, mentorship opportunities and collaborative research projects.

The network will also encourage the development of joint training initiatives and strengthen exchanges among partners across the circumpolar North.

Its work will focus on issues such as language revitalization, the integration of Indigenous languages into post-secondary education, the development of educational resources and the ethical use of emerging technologies to support language preservation and promotion efforts.

New opportunities for the Collège Nordique community

Beyond institutional recognition, the initiative opens the door to new opportunities for the Collège Nordique community.

Students may eventually benefit from new exchange and collaboration opportunities with institutions across the North. Faculty and staff will gain access to a broader network of partners and expertise, helping to foster innovative projects and knowledge sharing.

Several institutions and organizations have already expressed interest in joining the network and contributing to its development.

For Patrick Arsenault, this level of engagement demonstrates that solutions developed in the North can have an impact far beyond territorial borders.

“This approval shows that ideas and initiatives emerging from the North can contribute meaningfully to international conversations about the future of languages and the communities that sustain them.”

With the creation of this new thematic network, Collège Nordique is strengthening its role as a convener and collaborator across the circumpolar North. It is an important milestone for the institution and for the many communities working every day to keep their languages and cultures vibrant for future generations.

The creation of this network builds on the momentum generated by the International Forum on the Preservation and Promotion of Indigenous and Minority Languages, hosted by Collège Nordique in Yellowknife in March 2026. The event brought together community members, researchers, educators and partners from across the circumpolar North to explore shared challenges and opportunities related to language preservation and revitalization.

Published on June 11th 2026