Function
The Official Languages Board is established to advise and make recommendations to the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment with respect to any matter within its purview. Its focus is on services.
Jurisdiction
Government of the Northwest Territories
Department Responsible
Department of Education, Culture & Employment
Authority
NWT Official Languages Act
Board Composition
The Board is comprised of at least eleven members; one member of each of the Chipewyan, Cree, English, French, Gwich’in, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun, North Slavey, South Slavey, and Tłı̨chǫ language communities.
Members are nominated by prescribed representatives of each of the official language communities.
Alternate Members
There are eleven alternate members on the Board.
Chairperson
The Board members shall designate a Chairperson from among their number.
Vice-Chairperson
The Board members shall designate a Vice-Chairperson from among their number.
Quorum
Quorum is six members.
Appointment Instrument
Members are appointed by the Commissioner in Executive Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment under section 28(2) NWT Official Languages Act
Term Duration
A member holds office during pleasure for a term of two years.
Time and Travel Requirements
The Board generally meets in person at least once or twice a year, based on specific issues. Other meetings are conducted by teleconference. Most meetings take place in Yellowknife.
Remuneration
Members shall receive remuneration according to Executive Council classification and Financial Management Board Secretariat directives.
Category - Advisory
Advisory Chairperson - up to $300 per day
Member - up to $250 per day
Chair and members – 50% per half-day (i.e., 3.5 hours or less), for work on board business for each day of meetings
Other Considerations
Members must be a resident of the Northwest Territories.
A member may resign at any time by notifying the Minister in writing.
Presently, there are no active organizations representing the English and Inuktitut language community in the NWT.
Current Membership
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1. Member |
(Vacant - 2 year term) |
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2. Member |
(Vacant - 2 year term) |
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3. Member |
Lena Drygeese |
2024-05-30 |
2028-05-29 |
1 |
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4. Member |
(Vacant - 2 year term) |
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5. Member |
(Vacant - 2 year term) |
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6. Member |
(Vacant - 2 year term) |
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7. Member |
(Vacant - 2 year term) |
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8. Member |
Cheryl Cli |
2023-03-02 |
2025-03-01 |
1 |
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9. Member |
Martha Porter |
2024-02-22 |
2028-02-21 |
1 |
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10. Member |
(Vacant - 2 year term) | |||
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11. Member |
Jean-François Pitre |
2023-10-05 |
2025-10-04 |
1 |
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12. Alternate |
(Vacant - 2 year term) | |||
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13. Alternate |
(Vacant - 2 year term) | |||
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14. Alternate |
(Vacant - 2 year term) | |||
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15. Alternate |
(Vacant - 2 year term) | |||
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16. Alternate |
(Vacant - 2 year term) | |||
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17. Alternate |
(Vacant - 2 year term) | |||
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18. Alternate |
(Vacant - 2 year term) |
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19. Alternate |
Mary Jane Cazon |
2023-03-02 |
2025-03-01 |
1 |
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20. Alternate |
Matilda Nakoolak |
2024-02-22 |
2028-02-21 |
1 |
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21. Alternate |
(Vacant - 2 year term) | |||
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22. Alternate |
Audrey Fournier |
2023-10-05 |
2025-10-04 |
1 |
(Board details as of Dec 04, 2024)