This bilingual Dene language plan (with Dene translations following English sections) was coordinated by the Sahtú Secretariat Incorporated (SSI) on behalf of the Government of the Northwest Territories, created in order to allow SSI access five-year government funding. The planning process consisted of extensive background research and a three-day language planning conference.

One key theme from the conference was that participants did not feel that North Slavey nor Sahtú Dene was an appropriate term for their language, because they did not feel it represented the diversity of peoples within the region. Therefore, the word Dene is used in general, accompanied with the more specific terms Sahtúot’ıne, K’ashogot’ıne, and Shútáot’ıne used when appropriate. 

In 2000, 50% of the Sahtú population between the ages of 25 and 44 were fluent in their language, while 100% of those over 45 were fluent, suggesting a significant generational difference. Furthermore, less than 10% of the population 25 and younger were fluent. With regard to where Dene language is best used, workshop participants saw potential for “a bilingual Sahtú region with the Dene language being actively used in all areas of community life—in homes, in schools, at work, and in all social activities, especially land-based activities.” (3) This would be supported by a Sahtú Cultural Institute and self-determination. 

The delegates also talked about language attitudes: Younger people were afraid to speak the language, for fear of being laughed at or criticized for poor language skills. Elders were worried about the language not being in the home. Changing lifestyles impact respect for language, though some still connect pride and identity with language.

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Crosscurrent Associates. Sahtú Kǫ́ Káyúrı̨́ı̨la Denewá Kedǝ́ Dágúɂǫ́ Gogha Ɂeratł’é. Sahtú Regıon Dene Language Plannıng Report. Délı̨nę: Sahtú Secretarıat Incorporated Delı̨́ne, 2000.