Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I often speak in support of culture and Aboriginal programs and the needs for these programs to preserve and to hold onto our traditions, especially in our educational institutions. My Member’s statement today will focus on the importance of these same programs that contribute to the achievement of our children and our youth. We need to continue to walk in our ancestors’ footpath of success, which is adept to whatever is in front of us.
Last year, in the Auditor General’s report, it was clear from the Alberta Achievement Tests in the last three years that NWT students’ achievement have progressed very little. Something is wrong, Mr. Speaker.
As well, our high school graduation rate is only 55 percent compared to 71 percent across Canada. Is the glass half full or half empty? Mr. Speaker, in order for a young person to have the discipline to succeed, they must think their future is worth the effort. Is it worth it to have a solid education? I say yes. Learn all that you can because it’s in our blood to succeed, not to fail. Our grandparents would not give up or fail us, nor should we do that with our children.
It has been proven that to be successful in life or excel in whatever work you desire, you first have to know yourself and to be proud of who you are and where you come from. Children need to know their identity and feel self-worth. This gives them their self-esteem. Mr. Speaker, this is where culture programs come in. Students need to learn today knowledge, but they also need to learn about their culture. More importantly, practice their culture. They need to know that they are worth the life they are born into, no more, no less. They need to know the lessons, the wisdom and the strengths and challenges in their culture, finding out about the culture to know who they really are. It’s what gives them strength and reason to work and to study. That’s why programs such as teaching language and culture in our schools are so important.
I want to thank all the teachers in the Sahtu and the parents for continuing to raise their children to be somebody in this world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Nunakput, Mr. Jacobson.
