Native Languages of the Northwest Territories
Overview
The Northwest Territories (NWT) in Canada is a culturally rich region with a diverse Indigenous population. Reflecting this diversity, the territory officially recognizes 11 Indigenous languages alongside English and French. These native languages are integral to the cultural identity, heritage, and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the NWT.
Official Languages
The Northwest Territories recognizes 13 official languages:
* English
* French
* Chipewyan (Denesuline)
* Cree
* Gwich’in
* Inuinnaqtun
* Inuktitut
* Inuvialuktun
* North Slavey (Sahtúot’ine)
* South Slavey (Deh Gáh Got’ı̨ę)
* Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib)
* Plains Cree (Y-dialect)
* Dene Suline
(Note: Sometimes Cree and Plains Cree are distinguished separately, and Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut are varieties of Inuit languages.)
Indigenous Language Families
Athabaskan Languages
* Chipewyan (Denesuline): Spoken primarily by the Chipewyan people in the eastern NWT.
* Gwich’in: The language of the Gwich’in First Nation, located in the northeastern part of the territory.
* North Slavey (Sahtúot’ine): Used by the Sahtú Dene community around Great Bear Lake.
* South Slavey: Spoken in the southern parts of the NWT near Fort Smith.
* Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib): Widely spoken in the central Mackenzie Valley region.
Inuit Languages
* Inuvialuktun: Spoken by the Inuvialuit people in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the western Arctic.
* Inuktitut: Used primarily in Nunavut but also by Inuit communities in eastern parts of the NWT.
* Inuinnaqtun: A dialect closely related to Inuvialuktun and Inuktitut, used around Cambridge Bay and Kugluktuk in Kitikmeot region (near NWT).
Cree
* Plains Cree is spoken in parts of the southern NWT, representing the most populous Algonquian language group in Canada.
Language Vitality and Preservation
Many Indigenous languages in the NWT are considered endangered or vulnerable due to historical factors including residential schools, colonization, and language shift towards English. The Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous organizations actively promote language preservation and revitalization through:
* Education: Incorporation of Indigenous languages in school curricula.
* Broadcasting: Radio and television programming in native languages.
* Cultural Programs: Workshops, immersion camps, and storytelling events.
* Legislation: The Official Languages Act of the NWT guarantees the right to use Indigenous languages in governmental proceedings.
Importance of Indigenous Languages
* Preserve cultural knowledge, traditions, and identity.
* Strengthen community bonds and intergenerational communication.
* Promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous heritage.
* Support mental health and well-being among Indigenous peoples.
Resources and Support
* Official Languages Secretariat (GNWT): Coordinates language policy and programs.
* Indigenous Language First Nations and organizations: Such as Dene Cultural Institute and Inuvialuit Cultural Centre.
* Educational institutions: Provide language classes and immersion programs.
Summary Table of Major Indigenous Languages in NWT
Language
	Language Family
	Primary User Communities
	Status
	Chipewyan
	Athabaskan
	Eastern NWT (Denesuline)
	Vulnerable
	Gwich’in
	Athabaskan
	Northeastern NWT
	Vulnerable
	North Slavey
	Athabaskan
	Sahtú Region
	Endangered
	South Slavey
	Athabaskan
	Southern NWT
	Endangered
	Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib)
	Athabaskan
	Central Mackenzie Valley
	Vulnerable
	Inuvialuktun
	Inuit
	Western Arctic (Inuvialuit Settlement Region)
	Vulnerable
	Inuktitut
	Inuit
	Eastern Arctic, some NWT areas
	Vulnerable
	Inuinnaqtun
	Inuit
	Western Arctic / Kitikmeot region (border areas)
	Vulnerable
	Plains Cree
	Algonquian
	Southern NWT
	Vulnerable
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Contact and Further Information
* Government of the Northwest Territories — Official Languages Secretariat:
Website: https://www.gov.nt.ca/culture/official-languages-secretariat
* Indigenous Language Organizations:
Dene Cultural Institute
Inuvialuit Cultural Centre
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This document provides an overview of the native languages of the Northwest Territories, highlighting their significance, status, and ongoing efforts toward preservation and revitalization.