Page Contents
Are you interested in learning your language?
Check out the Indigenous Languages Proficiency Program!
Indigenous Languages Proficiency Program (INLP)
The Yukon Native Language Centre and Council of Yukon First Nations, in partnership with Simon Fraser University, offer language proficiency courses that can be put towards a Certificate & Diploma in Indigenous Languages Proficiency. The program can be taken full-time (three courses per term) or part-time; courses can be taken for university credits, or students can simply attend and participate. All courses are based out of the Yukon Native Native Language Centre at Yukon University; however, courses may be delivered at the community level in partnership with Yukon First Nation Governments. Arrangements can be developed with the Yukon Native Language Centre and Yukon First Nation Governments for those who wish to offer this programming to their citizens
The Indigenous Languages Proficiency Program aims to contribute to the revival, revitalization, and maintenance of Yukon First Nation languages and directly support students in becoming fluent speakers who can pass the language on to future generations. The objectives of the program are:
- Increase proficiency and fluency from complete beginner to intermediate levels in one’s language
- Promote and support a deeper understanding of and connection to one’s culture and heritage through the language.
- Provide participants with an opportunity to begin or continue post-secondary education and receive an accredited certificate.
Tuition and other student fees are covered for Yukon First Nation students by the Council of Yukon First Nations. Course fees apply to Non-Yukon First Nation students and subject to change term-to-term. Please contact info@ynlc.ca for course fee information.
All courses are subject to change and cancellation due to availability of instructor/tutor and/or fluent speakers.
Certificate in Indigenous Language Proficiency (CINLP)
The Certificate in Indigenous Languages Proficiency consists of 9 courses.
6 CORE courses:
- INLG 130 Practical Phonetics for Indigenous Languages
- INLG 133 Yukon First Nations Language Learning: (Level 1)
- INLG 134 Yukon First Nations Language Learning: (Level 2)
- INLG 200 Introduction to Grammar in an Indigenous Language
- INLG 233 Yukon First Nations Language Learning: (Level 3)
- INLG 234 Yukon First Nations Language Learning: (Level 4)
3 elective courses:
- INLG 335 Special Topics I
- INLG 435 Special Topics II
*Each course requires an in-class commitment of 40-50 hours and can be taken for three university credits.
Course Offerings
Fall 2025 COURSES – Now Open for Registration until August 28, 2025
Introduction to Practical Phonetics of YFN Languages (INLG 130) with Pat Moore & Dan Tlen. COURSE SCHEDULE: September 8, 2025 – December 10, 2025. Monday & Wednesday from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. (Online)
Introduction to Southern Tutchone Grammar (INLG 200) with Natane Primozic. COURSE SCHEDULE: November 24, 2025 – February 27, 2026. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. (Online). Pre-Requisites: INLG 134: Southern Tutchone Level 2 or equivalent experience.
Introduction to Tlingít Grammar (INLG 200) with James Crippen & Tim Hall. COURSE SCHEDULE: To Be Announced (Online). Pre-Requisites: INLG 134: Tlingít Level 2 or equivalent experience.
Southern Tutchone Level 3 (INLG 233) with Natane Primozic. COURSE SCHEDULE: September 2, 2025 – November 13, 2025. Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM & Thursdays from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. (Online). Pre-Requisites: INLG 134: Southern Tutchone Level 2 or equivalent experience.
Kaska Level 4 (INLG 234) with Emeral Poppe & Paul Caesar-Jules. COURSE SCHEDULE: September 15, 2025 – November 27, 2025. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 12:00 PM – 1:40 PM. (Online). Pre-Requisites: INLG 233: Kaska Level 3 or equivalent experience.
Registration may be accepted after the deadline based on seat availability and no later than a week after the first day of class.
Registration for Fall 2025 Courses is now closed.
For more information, please contact YNLC:
Physical Address: Yukon University – Ayamdigut Campus
Mailing Address: Box 2799 | Whitehorse, Yukon YT | Y1A 5K4
Phone: 867-668-8820
Fax: 867-668-8825
Email: info@ynlc.ca
