This report provides an overview of all manner of early childhood services and initiatives in the NWT, including health, education, etc.

A small section on Language Nests (preschools where lessons are conducted in Indigenous languages) on page four provides some extra information about their implementation in the Northwest Territories at this time. This was the primary interest of Sahtú region researchers in this report, as it was found during a literature review on Language activities in the NWT.

• Language Nests included elders, Early Learning and Child Care workers, production and use of materials and activities in Aboriginal languages, and the involvement and commitment of the community.
• Language Nests were situated in pre-existing licensed early learning and child care settings.
• 2003/2004 had 18 Language Nest programs in the NWT. This year focused on expanding resource materials in more of the official languages.
• Staff were trained in language and identity, language acquisition, and “structuring language components into daily child care routines.”

Access this Resource: 

Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Education, Culture and Employment. Early Childhood Development; Early Learning and Child Care; Indicators of Young Children’s Well Being Activities and Expenditures. Yellowknife, November 2004.