Collège Nordique is listening to the societal aspirations of the North

Collège Nordique Francophone (CNF) is committed to meeting the unique needs of people living in Canada’s territories, using evidence-based data and a strategy founded on in-depth studies. The Léger Marketing study, while highlighting certain challenges, also validates our efforts to better meet the aspirations of the people of the Northwest Territories. 

A Strong Demand for Personal Growth 

The study revealed that, despite an interest in post-secondary education, a majority of residents are also seeking personal growth. In fact, 84% of respondents expressed a strong interest in trainings that promotes personal development. This figure is encouraging, confirming that Northern people are seeking to develop and evolve, even outside the traditional paths of formal education. 

The CNF has always been attentive to the needs of its community, and this is reflected in our business plan and annual action plan. Our programs and workshops are designed to meet these changing and evolving aspirations, allowing individuals to develop at their own pace and according to their priorities. Based on this study, we are convinced that personal growth must remain at the heart of our course and program offerings. 

A growing interest in Indigenous languages 

One of the positive results of the study is the strong demand for learning Indigenous languages. Indeed, 68% of respondents expressed an interest in learning a local Indigenous language, a figure even higher among women. This interest is reflected in concrete actions by the CNF, which offers Inukitut and Tłı̨chǫ language courses, as well as a variety of complementary activities and programs overseen by members of our Indigenous community. 

We are proud to offer these options, which are a step towards reconciliation. We will go even further by making some of them credit-bearing courses, allowing participants to develop skills while obtaining recognized certifications. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the cultural concerns of our communities, while supporting the revitalization of Indigenous languages. 

The CNF: A constantly evolving player 

The study highlights challenges such as the cost of living, housing availability, and access to essential services. However, it also highlights the role that education plays in enabling people to adapt to these challenges. Furthermore, positive aspects, such as the quality of life, the beauty of the landscapes, and the cultural richness of the North, ensure that the people of the NWT hold one important value dear: spirit. They want to find solutions and work to improve their impact on the land and their community. These elements reinforce the strategic position of the CNF, which develops programs tailored to the immediate needs and aligned with the values of local communities. 

A promising future for the CNF 

By publishing the results of this study on our website, we are affirming our commitment to transparency and to using reliable data to guide our decisions. The CNF is evolving with the real needs of the community in mind, and this article is a testament to our ability to proactively address those needs.