Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to advise this House that a ceremony was held today to celebrate the tremendous contributions that people across the territory have made to education.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment allows the Education Hall of Fame to recognize that we all play an important role supporting the education of our children. It reflects the valuable contributions that educators, volunteers, board members, administrators and other community members make.
Mr. Speaker, for this year’s celebration, nominations poured in from every region and seven people were chosen from across the territory. The 2012 inductees embody the commitment, diligence, creativity and passion that we want education to inspire in us all.
The first inductee is Helen Kitekudlak from Ulukhaktok. She began teaching over 40 years ago as a teenager. She believes in making a positive and lasting impression on her students and in working with each student’s strength to help them learn.
Ms. Betty Barnaby from Fort Good Hope recently received her Bachelor of Education degree from Aurora College. Throughout her 20-year career, she has always believed in the power of education and instils that belief in her community.
Ms. Margaret Thom of Fort Providence has spent more than 20 years as a school community counsellor, teaching students and staff traditional values at Deh Gah School.
Mr. Kevin Atoniak of Fort Smith spent 30 years as an instructor for Aurora College’s Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program. His efforts have seen approximately 200 graduates and have provided the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with 20 percent of its entire workforce.
Ms. Chris Baron from Behchoko has spent 25 years teaching kindergarten to Grade 5 in the Tlicho region. A strong advocate for literacy, she strives to teach every child to be the best that they can be and to appreciate their own cultural identity.
Mrs. Angela James of Yellowknife began her teaching career more than 20 years ago, holding positions as teacher, principal and now director of early childhood and school services and has been a driving force for Dene culture in education throughout her career.
Throughout his 24-year career, Dr. Curtis Brown has been a strong advocate for alternative programming and expanded opportunities for students. His efforts while serving as principal at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School received national attention and the school was heralded as “the school where students are dropping back in.”
Of these distinguished people, some are with us today in the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, this is our third group of inductees into the Education Hall of Fame. They are truly passionate people who inspire us to do more, be better and believe in ourselves.
Building on the strengths of Northerners is one of the goals of this Assembly and I hope all Members of this Assembly will join me in honouring the inductees into the Education Hall of Fame and thank them for dedicating their life’s work to the students of the Northwest Territories. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. Deputy Premier, Mr. Lafferty.
