Mentor-Apprentice Program (Canada)

This program is made possible with funding from the Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets and the Department of Canadian Heritage as a result of the Government of Canada’s Indigenous Languages Act.

Program Streams

• The Mentor-Apprentice Program has two streams:
  • The Mentor-Apprentice Program offers 300 hours of immersion per year for up to 3 years.
  • The Mentor-Apprentice Program: Connections is less intensive and suitable for all language learners. It offers 100 hours of immersion per year, for up to 3 years, at a flexible pace.
• The goal of the Mentor-Apprentice Program and Mentor-Apprentice Program: Connections is to support the development of fluent speakers of B.C. First Nations languages. This is a one-on-one language immersion program in the home and on the land and waters. A “mentor” (a fluent speaker of a language) is paired with an “apprentice” (learner). This program is valuable for languages as the apprentice will learn and share their teachings with family and community members. In this program, learners become more fluent, which is especially valuable for languages where only a couple of fluent speakers are left.

Program Deliverables

• Mentor-Apprentice Program
  • 300 one-on-one hours; completed over 9 months
  • Eligible apprentices have the opportunity to complete 900 hours (over 3 years)
  • Eligible apprentices can apply for MAP: Connections once three years in MAP is completed, with the potential to receive MAPC for up to three years (resulting in an additional 300 hours over three years).
  • Reporting includes:
    • 100-hour, 200-hour, and 300-hour progress reports
    • Panel evaluations with a panel of fluent speakers to be completed every 100 hours
    • Language Learning Assessment Tool: 1 at beginning and 1 after 300- hour report
    • Final report completed at the end of the 300 hours
  • One-on-one coaching throughout the year with a MAP coach who is a graduate of the program
  • Monthly drop-in online peer support
  • Mandatory In-Person Orientation Workshop (subject to COVID-19 Safety Guidelines)
  • Workshop materials provided
• Mentor-Apprentice Program: Connections
  • 100 one-on-one hours; completed over 6 months (June – December 2024)
  • Eligible apprentices can complete 300 hours (over 3 program years **subject to available funding)
  • Reporting includes:
    • 100-hour progress
    • Final report
    • Language Learning Assessment Tool before starting immersion hours
    • Language Learning Assessment Tool upon completion of immersion hours
  • Monthly drop-in online peer support
  • Online training workshop
  • Workshop materials provided

Funding Information

• Mentor-Apprentice Program
  • The total amount per team is $21,300, plus an additional travel grant to cover travel and accommodation expenses for the Mentor-Apprentice team to attend the mandatory workshop.
• Mentor-Apprentice Program: Connections
  • The total grant amount per team is $6,500

Eligibility Criteria

• Mentor-Apprentice Program
  • B.C. First Nations individuals aged 16 – 50.
  • Learners who are or want to become language teachers in schools or community
  • Parents of young children or soon-to-be parents
  • Learners who have a plan for actively passing on the language to others
• Mentor-Apprentice Program: Connections
  • Learners who want to strengthen their connection to their language
  • Learners with some language knowledge or silent speakers who want to gain confidence in speaking
  • Learners who want to complete their Mentor-Apprentice hours at a relaxed pace
  • Learners who are balancing language learning with other commitments.

For more information, visit First Peoples’ Cultural Council.