Official Languages Day 2026: Two Voices in Harmony

In the Northwest Territories, linguistic diversity is an integral part of our reality. The territory has 11 official languages, including nine Indigenous languages, as well as French and English, Canada’s two official languages.

Every year, Official Languages Day is an opportunity to celebrate the place of French and English in our communities and reflect on the role languages play in how we communicate, learn and connect with one another.

This year, Official Languages Day will take place on September 10, 2026, under the theme Two Voices in Harmony.

Music as a meeting point

Inspired by the power of music to bring people together, this year’s theme highlights how French and English can come together, like two voices in harmony, to tell stories, connect communities and strengthen our sense of belonging.

Music plays a special role in the transmission of languages and cultures. It carries words, stories and traditions across generations and creates opportunities to engage with language in different ways.

This idea resonates particularly strongly in the North, where many languages and cultures coexist and contribute to the richness of our communities.

Keeping languages alive in the North

As a francophone postsecondary institution in a minority-language setting, Collège Nordique contributes to the vitality of the Francophone community and the development of language skills in the North.

Through its language courses and various training opportunities, the College supports people with a wide range of backgrounds and goals, whether they want to learn a new language, strengthen their skills, integrate into the community or develop useful tools for their personal and professional journeys.

This commitment reflects the unique linguistic reality of the Northwest Territories, where linguistic diversity plays an important role. Keeping a language alive also means creating spaces where it can be learned, practised, passed on and shared.

Taking part in the celebrations

To mark Official Languages Day, a variety of activities and resources are being offered across the country.

On September 10, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. (ET), a virtual event will bring together panellists from diverse backgrounds for a discussion on the power of Canadian music to unite our cultures, languages and communities.

People are also invited to participate in the My Canadian Song initiative by suggesting a song to help create a collective playlist that reflects the richness and diversity of Canada.

Resources and activities are also available to organizations and the public to take part in the celebrations and help promote Official Languages Day in their communities.

On September 10, let’s take this opportunity to listen to the voices around us, celebrate those that shape our linguistic landscape and continue creating spaces where languages can live, be passed on and bring us together.

Published on September 10th 2026