Pan-Territorial Summit on Learning in Northern Canada: New Horizons for the Northern Territories

April 16, 2026, in Yellowknife – The Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY), the Collège nordique francophone (CNF), and the Association des francophones du Nunavut (AFN) are joining forces to organize the Pan-Territorial Summit on Learning in Northern Canada.

On June 3 and 4, 2026, at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife (and online), education professionals, community organizations and institutions, students, and members of Francophone communities from across the three territories will come together to reflect on the future of lifelong French-language learning in the North.

Designed as a space for listening, dialogue, and collective innovation, this summit will foster the development of concrete solutions tailored to the realities of Northern communities. It will also provide an opportunity to better understand community needs, explore key trends emerging from a pan-territorial survey, and highlight inspiring pathways, training opportunities, and initiatives.

Isabelle Salesse, Executive Director of AFY, states:

“This summit is an invitation to build the future of French-language learning in the North together. By bringing together a diversity of voices and experiences, we aim to create a space where the realities of our communities are heard and where concrete solutions can emerge.”

Patrick Arsenault, Executive Director of CNF, adds:

“The challenges related to distance, accessibility, and retention in the North are very real, but they also drive innovation. This summit will help turn these challenges into opportunities to rethink how we learn and collaborate, for the benefit of Francophone communities across the territories.”

Christian Ouaka, Executive Director of AFN, says:

“The strength of this summit lies in the mobilization of the entire community: students, organizations, institutions, and engaged individuals. By bringing these perspectives together, we will be able to define sustainable directions adapted to our northern realities.”

An Accessible Format Across the Territories

To maximize accessibility, all sessions will be streamed online, while also allowing for in-person participation at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife. Registration is now open.

For more information and to register, visit the online plateform:

This project is made possible through the financial support of the Réseau pour le développement de l'alphabétisme et des compétences (RESDAC), Canadian Heritage, and the Réseau des cégeps et des collèges francophones du Canada (RCCFC).

The Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) is a non-profit organization founded in 1982 that actively contributes to the vitality of Yukon’s Francophone community. On a daily basis, our team organizes community-building events, provides a wide range of services, and serves as the official voice of Francophones in Yukon.

Collège Nordique is the only accredited French-language postsecondary institution north of the 60th parallel, offering opportunities to develop linguistic and professional skills or pursue studies in French. Its student body is made up of individuals from diverse communities across the Northwest Territories and beyond.

The Association des francophones du Nunavut is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the culture and rights of Francophones in Nunavut since 1981. As a representative body, it supports the overall development of the Franco-Nunavummiut community.