Date
May
28
2004
Members Present
ITEM 1: PRAYER
Assembly Members
Debates of May 28, 2004 (day 15)
Topics
Statements
Member’s Statement On Strategic Initiatives Required For Aboriginal Language Programs
Kevin A. Menicoche
Nahendeh
Mr. Speaker, I wish to speak this morning on an issue of aboriginal language and culture. I see that the government’s newly released strategic plan calls for NWT indigenous cultures and languages that are a source of strength for present and future generations. Certainly this is a laudable goal that we hope will be achieved. The plans state further that this goal will be accomplished by implementing school programs to support culture, language and partnership with families and communities. I am concerned, Mr. Speaker, what the strategic plan means in terms of concrete action by the government and whether or not it will be enough to provide for aboriginal languages and cultures that are truly a source of strength. If we are going to implement meaningful school programs that support aboriginal language and culture, I wonder who will teach these programs. For any school program to be successful, qualified professionals are needed to teach the program. Yet, Mr. Speaker, I find no mention in the strategic plan regarding professional development for aboriginal language instructors.
Last month, the Alberta government unveiled a new plan to increase language learning in its goals. That plan calls for a regime of scholarships and bursaries that will encourage professional educators to develop language-related teaching skills. I believe we, too, need to take similar measures in the North. Without qualified teachers, what will a school program accomplish?
Already we have a lack of qualified aboriginal language teachers, and in most communities we have at best aboriginal language teaching assistants. Even they are in short supply. We are also finding that our qualified aboriginal teachers are going elsewhere for education, teaching and for jobs, taking with them what little professional expertise and skills we do have.
In short, Mr. Speaker, I don’t believe the government’s plan goes far enough. Much more is required in terms of planned action by the government and I will be pressing the Minister of Education to provide us with more. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause