College Nordique's Tłı̨chǫ courses: a possible route to the mentor-apprentice program

The mentor-apprentice program is much more than just a language course. It's a cultural immersion where learners, like Rosie Benning, devote several hours a week to learning the Tłı̨chǫ language not only through traditional lessons, but also via everyday activities such as sewing, shopping, and other cultural practices. This learning method enables a deep understanding and integration of the language into everyday life, facilitating a rich and authentic dialogue between generations and cultures.  

Through this article, let's explore the importance of these initiatives and the notable success of Rosie, our language school manager, in her journey to learn the Tłı̨chǫ language. 

Rosie's commitment: one of the non-natives to take part in the program 

Rosie, as a language school manager and non-aboriginal, enthusiastically embraced the mentor-apprentice program, demonstrating that with dedication and respect, it's possible to learn alongside indigenous communities. Her active participation and desire to learn and share her knowledge testify to the program's strength in creating intercultural and intergenerational links. 

The role of CNF's Tłı̨chǫ courses in program integration  

The Tłı̨chǫ courses offered by the CNF play a crucial role as a gateway to the mentor-apprentice program. In addition to providing the necessary language foundations, these courses give participants a native mentor through the intergenerational and intercultural twinning project. Rosie's journey is a perfect example of how formal education and mentoring initiatives can complement each other to foster real linguistic and cultural immersion.

An ecosystem for language revitalization 

For native language revitalization initiatives such as the mentor-apprentice program to succeed, it's essential to create a dynamic ecosystem with organizations like the CNF for better immersion in native culture. These initiatives must not be limited to language teaching alone, but must also provide a framework for greater immersion in native culture, such as book clubs and cooking workshops, which strengthen the social fabric and encourage the transmission of knowledge between generations. 

A call to action for the revitalization of native languages 

Rosie's story and the success of the mentor-apprentice program underscore the importance of revitalizing Aboriginal languages. The CNF invites everyone to get involved in revitalization efforts, whether by signing up for courses in Tłı̨chǫ, Inuktitut, Wıı̀lıı̀deh or by committing to the mentor-apprentice program. Together, we can work to preserve and enrich Aboriginal linguistic and cultural heritage for future generations.

If you would like to register for the Tłı̨chǫ course, please visit our website.

To learn more about the mentor-apprentice program, visit the GNWT website.