YELLOWKNIFE (May 27, 2026) – The Interpreter Career Pathway Program began its Indigenous language interpretation journey today with eight fluent Indigenous language speakers selected from a total of 22 applications across eight language groups.
Trainees began the year-long pilot program at the Yellowknife Ski Club and the NT Legislative Assembly, participating in a two-day in-person orientation. Together with Legislative Assembly interpreters, trainees will complete 18 days of in-person training, combined with ongoing virtual mentorship and skill development.
The curriculum is being developed by Relentless Indigenous Woman Co. (RIW Co.) with help from current Legislative Assembly interpreters to emphasize terminology development, guidance and on-the-job training, rooted in identity and connection. Trainees will learn theoretical knowledge that will encompass wellness and cultural grounding, while shadowing experienced interpreters in-booth during Legislative Assembly sessional proceedings and learning about their role as language carriers.
The pilot partnership program, delivered through the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the NT Legislative Assembly, will run from May 2026 to March 2027.
Selected participants (trainees) have been paired with current seasoned Legislative Assembly interpreters (trainers) and have begun their highly specialized Indigenous language interpretation journey.
Quotes
“This pilot program is about more than just capacity building - it contributes to Indigenous language revitalization. When Indigenous languages are spoken in public and political spaces like the Legislative Assembly, they take their rightful place in government and society. Our interpreters are central to this work. Their participation and mentorship make this new program possible and show residents and the world the value of Indigenous languages.”
- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
“The launch of this pilot program supports a space in the Legislative Assembly where Indigenous Languages are spoken, learned and celebrated. When Indigenous Language is represented in Sessional Proceedings, we build an institution that reflects the people it serves.”
- Shane Thompson, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories
Quick Facts:
- At this time, nēhiyawēwin (Cree) interpretation cannot be included in the pilot due to the absence of an available sessional interpreter. The Legislative Assembly recognizes this gap, as well as its responsibilities under the Official Languages Act, and is actively working to identify and recruit qualified nēhiyawēwin interpreters who are interested in this specialized field of work.
- Interpreter recruitment depends on individuals with the required language ability, interest, and availability to take on this highly specialized work. The Legislative Assembly has an ongoing, standing call for residents who are able to provide interpretation in nēhiyawēwin, and they continue to encourage anyone with those skills to apply.
- The Interpreter Career Pathway Program is an important step toward building a stronger, more sustainable pool of Indigenous language interpreters across the territory. We are hopeful it will raise awareness of interpretation as a career path and encourage fluent speakers to consider this work.
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For media requests, please contact:
Agata Gutkowska
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Email: @email
Public Affairs and Communications
Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
Email: @email