Yukon Native Language Centre

09/03/2026

Exciting news! The Dákeyi (Our Country) Athapaskan Language Course: Southern Tutchone Place Names, including a Teaching Guide is now featured on the Government of Canada’s website.

Dákeyi was originally published on CD in 1996, and was dedicated to the memory of Mr. Sam Williams, Andatà - 1908-1996. Dákeyi was developed specifically to meet the needs of students and others studying Southern Tutchone language and culture.

The CD and now web format includes text, sound, colour pictures and even movies to be combined to present information in an interesting and effective way.

The ability to use sound is especially important where language is involved. Students today have diminishing opportunity to hear Southern Tutchone spoken. The Dákeyi Teaching Guide features Dän K’è (Southern Tutchone) place names and the rich background stories on those place names from around the Whitehorse area to North Kluane! The language teaching resource also includes audio files with pronunciations for the place names, stories and a song from Jessie Joe.

The Elder include Sam Williams, John and Irene Adamson, Stella Boss, Bessie Crow, Marge Jackson, Paddy and Stella Jim and Jessie Joe. Sound is by Margaret Workman and the was used in the classrooms by Margaret Workman, Lorraine Allen and Pat Moore.

We are so very appreciative and grateful to have this amazing and wonderful language resource to help language teachers and learners today and tomorrow.

09/01/2026

YNLC 2026 Fluent Speaker Recognition series. 🧡

This week, we honour Betty Lucas, a fluent Dän Kʼí speaker from the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun.

Born into the Wolf Clan, on August 25, 1935, in a wall tent near the cemetery in the Old Village, Betty was raised by her parents, Charlie and Alyce Jimmy, surrounded by the traditions and way of life of the Northern Tutchone people. She carries fond memories of her childhood in the Old Village, where days were spent picking berries, catching fish, and learning from the land and the people around her.

Later in life, Betty was betrothed to Peter Lucas, and together they built a strong family rooted in culture, language, and traditional living. Betty raised her children and grandchildren in the bush at No Gold Creek, teaching through example the importance of family, resilience, and connection to the land. As her children grew older and wished to spend more time in the Mayo community, the family eventually relocated to the Mayo township.

Today, Betty is recognized as one of our treasured language holders and fluent speakers of the Mayo dialect of Northern Tutchone. At 91 years of age, she continues to contribute greatly to language revitalization efforts by supporting translation work, helping create new words, and encouraging learners to practice and strengthen their language. Her willingness to embrace new technologies in support of language preservation demonstrates both her adaptability and her deep commitment to future generations. We are truly thankful and deeply blessed to continue learning from Betty and to witness her ongoing contributions to our community today.

Niyę sáw nîidhín, Betty, for keeping Dän Kʼí strong. 💪🏽

📸: Alistair Maitland

08/28/2026

The Yukon Native Language Centre is partnering with Kwanlin Dün First Nation to pilot a 5-week Yukon First Nation Language Teacher Institute to build capacity and inform the development of a Yukon First Nation Language Teacher Training Program! The pilot is running with a small cohort throughout the month of August with the hopes of having future institutes run in partnership with Yukon First Nations to support language teachers.

During the two weeks of the institute, students learned about language loss and revitalization strategies, how we learn language, the Yukon First Nations Languages and Cultures Curriculum Framework, and teaching methods and approaches.

Tlą Chʼäw Sòthän Kíndän! -You Teach Really Good! (Dän Kʼè)

08/26/2026

YNLC 2026 Fluent Speaker Recognition series. 🧡

This week, we recognize Dene Chų̄ę́ʼ (Lloyd Caesar), a fluent Denezā́gi speaker from Ross River Dena Council.

Lloyd Caesar was born on the land and raised in the traditional Kaska way of life, travelling throughout Kaska territory with his family and spending much of his childhood in the Pelly Lakes area. He is the son of Mēdī and Janna Caesar and belongs to the Wolf Clan. He lives in Tū Łī́dlīnī - Ross River, and is a member of Ross River Dena Council.

His Kaska name, Dene Chų̄ę́ʼ (People’s Son), was given to him by his grandmother
according to traditional Kaska protocols. Throughout his life, Lloyd has honoured the meaning of that name through his unwavering commitment to helping others. He has dedicated many years to supporting people on their healing journeys, working with those facing addiction and trauma, and sharing his belief in the strength of Kaska spirituality, culture, and language as pathways to wellness.

Despite attending residential school, Lloyd never lost his language. He remains a fluent speaker of the Pelly Banks dialect and is recognized as a respected language keeper, knowledge holder, and teacher. He has generously shared his knowledge with countless people through language programs, cultural gatherings, workshops, and community events. His teachings include traditional Kaska medicines, landbased knowledge, cultural practices, and the values that have sustained Kaska
people for generations.

Lloyd’s life reflects resilience, generosity, and a deep commitment to his community. Through his teachings, guidance, and example, he has helped strengthen Kaska language, culture, and healing for present and future generations. It is with great respect and gratitude that we recognize Lloyd for his lifelong contributions to his people and his enduring legacy as a teacher, healer, and cultural leader.

Sógá sénlá’, Lloyd, for your dedication.

08/21/2026

The Yukon Native Language Centre is sharing information about the Hän course offerings for Fall 2026, with instruction by Hän instructor Mandi-May Bond and assistant teacher Denise Bell. Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Government

All courses are offered online through Zoom and Moodle.

Registration is due today, August 21, at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Hän Language Administrator at [email protected].

08/18/2026

Application deadline is Wednesday Aug 19 at 4:30 p.m.!

YNLС is accepting learner applications for the Dän Kʼí (Northern Tutchone) Intensive Language Program. See information below.

The Yukon Native Language Centre is excited to announce we are accepting learner applications for an in person Dän Kʼí (Northern Tutchone) Intensive Language Program.

The program is a multi-year program aimed at raising adult language speaking and comprehension proficiency in Dän Kʼí and strengthening cultural proficiency through hands-on, land-based language applications. This three-year program runs from September 2026 – March 2029 and starts September 22, 2026.

Visit the Dän Kʼí Intensive Language Program page to learn more about the program and apply!

Applications for the program close on August 19th at 4:30 PM.

Learn more: https://ynlc.ca/language-training/nt-intensive-language-program/

08/18/2026

YNLC 2026 Fluent Speaker Recognition series. 🧡

This week, we celebrate Jane Montgomery, a fluent Gwich'in speaker from Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.

Jane was born and raised in Old Crow surrounded by fluent speakers. She achieved her training in language instruction and linguistics through the Yukon Native Language Centre in Whitehorse and through courses at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

She started teaching in Southern Tutchone in Whitehorse but returned to Old Crow in order to be close to her family and to assist with the preservation and enhancement of Gwich’in. She taught in the local school for decades, giving young students their foundation in Gwich’in and produced numerous classroom materials, translated text for signage, interpreted for Elders, and transcribed and translated in Gwich’in.

She has been instrumental in conducting Elder interviews out on the land and directing major multi-year oral history projects. She gives her time when asked to help people learn the language and has spent countless hours editing Gwich’in text and educational materials.

Jane is the proud and active grandmother of 4. A strong community leader grounded in cultural teachings, she always supports what is best for her community and especially the youth.

Màhsi’ choo, Jane, for preserving and sharing your language. 🫶🏽

📸: Alistair Maitland

08/12/2026

YNLC 2026 Fluent Speaker Recognition series. 🧡

This week, we proudly recognize Shuwutìn - Margaret Bob, a fluent Łingít speaker from Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC).

Shuwutìn Margaret Bob is the daughter of the late Xûnk’ Îsh Charlie Bob and Dàxhłâ Ida Bob of Dèslìn Khwân, the Teslin people. She is a Yanyèdíshâ of the Yanyèdí Clan, and a child of the Dèshìtàn Clan.

Margaret is a fluent birth speaker of Tlingit and is one of the few literate elders in the language. She served for 18 years as a Tlingit Language Instructor at Teslin School, where she co-taught with Shkhinduyâ Liz Smith and Kèyishí Bessie Cooley, teaching students about reading, writing, speaking and traditional lineage.

In 1995 she completed the Native Language Instructor Certificate Program at Yukon College and in 1998 completed their Diploma Program. Shuwutìn has been active in the development of teaching and learning materials for the Tlingit language. She has compiled story books and accompanying tapes of Tlingit Language Lessons at YNLC, and, working with Shkhinduyâ, created the first two interactive “talking books” for use in Tlingit classes in Teslin.

She served on the board of Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon, and has done radio clips in Tlingit on CHON-FM which are still played today, advocating against lateral violence in indigenous communities. Shuwutìn has also contributed research to the Teslin Tlingit Personal Names List, a compilation of clan names and genealogy.

In addition Margaret has also been active in documentation work for years, at Tlingit Literacy sessions at YNLC and with visiting linguists in Teslin. Her work in our Yukon communities, which spans decades, has had a lasting impact on Tlingit language revitalization.

Gunalchéesh, Margaret, for your leadership and commitment. 🫶🏽

📸: Alistair Maitland

08/10/2026

The 2026 Spring/Summer YNLC e-Newsletter Neek is now available at https://neek.beehiiv.com/p/neek-the-ynlc-newsletter-c7e2

Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/yyn69h9m

08/06/2026

The Yukon Native Language Centre is excited to announce we are accepting learner applications for an in person Dän Kʼí (Northern Tutchone) Intensive Language Program.

The program is a multi-year program aimed at raising adult language speaking and comprehension proficiency in Dän Kʼí and strengthening cultural proficiency through hands-on, land-based language applications. This three-year program runs from September 2026 – March 2029 and starts September 22, 2026.

Visit the Dän Kʼí Intensive Language Program page to learn more about the program and apply!

Applications for the program close on August 19th at 4:30 PM.

Learn more: https://ynlc.ca/language-training/nt-intensive-language-program/