Northwest Territories Official Languages Map

Description:
This map shows official languages of the Northwest Territories.

Official Languages of Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories recognizes eleven official languages under the Official Languages Act, more than any other Canadian province or territory. English and French maintain official status throughout Canada, with Yellowknife hosting significant francophone communities.

Nine Indigenous languages hold official status: Chipewyan, Cree, Gwich'in, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, North Slavey, South Slavey, and Tłı̨chǫ Yatıì. These languages belong to two major language families: Athabaskan (Dene languages) and Inuit-Yupik-Unangan (Inuit languages).

The territorial government provides services in all official languages where numbers warrant, though practical implementation varies by region. Education programs exist to preserve and promote Indigenous languages, including immersion schools in several communities. Tłı̨chǫ became the first Indigenous group in Canada to gain control over education in their language.

Despite official status, many Indigenous languages face endangerment. English dominates as the primary language of business and administration, with approximately 77% of residents speaking English at home. Ongoing efforts include language revitalization programs, elder-youth mentorship initiatives, and digital resources to document and teach Indigenous languages to younger generations.