Showcase meeting 3 – Tuesday, January 13, 2026

In a context where we understand the vital importance of revitalizing/re-energizing indigenous languages, how can we continue to ensure the place of French in our schools, while ensuring that one is not perceived as being at the expense of the other?

PRESENTATIONS:

Dr. Isabelle Côté is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. She specializes in teacher pre-service and in-service education in the following three programs: French as a second language, French immersion, and the Francophone program. In her doctoral research, she focused on the integration of Indigenous perspectives into the French immersion program in British Columbia.

The purpose of her presentation is to provide a framework for reflection on the colonial linguistic ideologies that still exist and influence language teaching in our schools. Dr. Côté will also explore questions related to the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives in the context of teaching French as a second language.

Dr. Eva Lemaire, Full Professor of Education, Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta.

In response to calls for action, how can Francophone education become a concrete driver of reconciliation and inclusion? Eva Lemaire’s presentation addresses this challenge head-on. She will discuss the place of Indigenous languages and cultures in French language education in minority contexts and in French immersion programs. Using examples from research projects conducted with various Indigenous communities and school partners, she will highlight innovative and collaborative practices that are helping to redefine and enrich the dynamics between Francophonie and Indigenous peoples. She will explore the key role of school leaders, teachers, and trainers in the emergence of truly inclusive spaces for Indigenous languages and communities, through collaboration and solidarity rather than opposition.

Ashley Tulugak, Inuit educator and trainer, and François Ouellette, Director of the Éducation en français Division, Government of Nunavut. Since 2008, Ashley Tulugak has taught all grade levels in Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet, bringing her lived experience and strong connection to Inuit life into the classroom. She now works in Educator Development, supporting and mentoring teachers across the territory.

Ashley’s presentation highlights why revitalizing Inuktitut is essential for student belonging, cultural continuity, and the future of education in Nunavut. She will look at the capacity challenges schools face and why strengthening Inuktitut must come before expanding into additional languages. The session will also touch on the place of French as an optional offering when capacity and resources permit. Participants will reflect on what sustainable, community-driven language support looks like.

For his part, François Ouellette will bring the perspective of French as a second language education in Nunavut, while respecting the curriculum focused on Inuit language and culture.

The question period will be structured as a panel discussion, with each participant responding to the thematic question of the showcase meeting.