Characteristics
The Northwest Territories has a widely diverse and multicultural population with 11 official languages.
The Franco-ténois make up 2.8% of the territory’s total population (more than 1,100 persons).
Attracted by the fur trade, the first people of European descent settled in the Territories at the end of the 18th century.
Francophone spokesbody
As the leading member of the network of Francophone and Francophile communities and associations, the Fédération franco-ténoise (FFT) is recognized as the privileged partner of the municipal, territorial and federal governments with regard to political representation and protecting the rights of the NWT’s Francophone communities. Its mission is to promote, encourage and defend French-Canadian cultural, political, social and community life in the Northwest Territories, in order to nurture the vitality of the NWT’s Francophone communities. To this end, the FFT provides political representation, consultation, promotion and development support to these communities, in collaboration with its members and partners.
Twitter : @La_FFT
Immigration
The Centre d’accueil d’Immigration francophone aux TNO plays a primary role in the socio-cultural integration of immigrants. Developed by the FFT through an agreement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), it offers settlement services to Francophone immigrants and supports a variety of projects that promote immigration, diversity and socio-cultural integration. The Centre’s goal is to make community integration easier for Francophone immigrants to Yellowknife.
Information at www.accueilimmigrationtno.com
Tourism
The Northwest Territories are a prime destination for nature lovers from all over the world. This is one of the rare parts of our earth where nature still reigns supreme. With its thousands of hectares of forests and tundra, outdoor enthusiasts have something to chew on…whether they are exploring by canoe, kayak, cross-country ski or simply by foot, camera in hand! The 1.17 million square kilometres of the Northwest Territories are just waiting to enchant you!
Information at www.tnospectaculaire.com
French second language – immersion
In the Northwest Territories, four Anglophone school boards offer French immersion programs. The Commission scolaire francophone TNO offers top-quality French mother tongue education services at the pre-school, elementary and high school levels.
Information at www.csftno.com, Twitter : @csftno