Our Languages is an Indigenous language curriculum set to launch across schools in the NWT.
The GNWT describes the curriculum as a whole-school approach to language learning to ensure that Indigenous languages are heard and spoken throughout schools, at assemblies, and during routines and in all Northwest Territories classrooms.
The program is not based on a traditional grading system, rather a level of competency.
The territorial government says the Our Languages program will assist Indigenous language instructors with on-going supports and tools to better assist classrooms in languages from JK to grade 12.
“Languages can survive and will thrive when schools and communities join together to make language learning a priority,” says R.J.Simpson, minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
The focus will be on oral proficiency, whereas teaching reading and writing are still under-development this year, says Jaimee Kepa, spokesperson for the department of Education for the GNWT.
The GNWT has developed a set of resources, such as board games, posters and songs to assist in the teaching of the nine official languages of the NWT.
Depending on the location of the school, some may have multiple official languages taught.
This program is excluded from French immersion schools.
