French-Language Yellowknife
French is one of the NWT’s 11 official languages — other than English, the rest are mostly composed of the wide variety of Indigenous languages spoken throughout the territory. During the last reported census results, three percent of NWT residents reported speaking French as their first language, but in the capital city, the number of French and bilingual speakers is much higher. There are a wide range of organizations that serve the Francophone and bilingual community, highlighted below:
Conseil de développement économique des Territoires du Nord-Ouest
Sponsor of this guide, CDETNO is a non-profit organization that promotes, stimulates and supports economic development and employability of Francophones and Francophiles of Northwest Territories. Together with CDETNO’s partners, the organization develops services and tools to support all Northerners.
Association Franco-Culturelle de Yellowknife:
AFCY promotes the Francophone community’s cultural activities, organizing and publicizing arts, music and theatre events, and providing community support.
Association des Parents Ayants Droit de Yellowknife
A group dedicated to providing direction and assistance for rights-holding parents with children in the local education system.
L’Aquilon
A weekly print newspaper and online site, L’Aquilon has been delivering territorial news to the Francophone population for over three decades.
Canadian Parents For French NWT
This local chapter of a national group committed to bilingualism is more for French-as-a-second-language issues, but is dedicated to promotion of the French language.
Collége Nordique
Collége Nordique, located in the centre of Yellowknife, offers a range of language courses and technical and professional training.
Commission Scolaire Francophone Territoires du Nord-Ouest
The Francophone school board operates and promotes the interests of L’école Boréale de Hay River and l’école Allain St-Cyr de Yellowknife, the NWT’s French-language schools.
La Federation Franco-Tenoise
The FFT promotes the cultural, political, social and community life of both native and immigrant French-Canadian citizens.
Garderie Plein Soleil
The garderie Plein Soleil.offers child care services for children between 6 months to 4 years and their families in a Francophone environment.
Radio Taiga
A volunteer-run Francophone radio station, Radio Taiga delivers vibrant community programming, news, eclectic music shows, and support.
Services TNO
A central platform to access all French-language services provided by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Service Canada
A one-stop guide to federal government services in Canada including information on subjects such as employment insurance, Canada Pension Plan, a benefits finder, and much more. Information is available in French and English.