Debates of October 30, 2006 (day 18)

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker… (English not provided)

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk on an issue that’s very important to the continued survival of the Tlicho and other First Nation languages and cultures. That is the proper funding of a full-time Aboriginal Language and Culture Instructor Program, also known as the ALCIP program, to be delivered through Aurora College.

Mr. Speaker, as it stands right now, the ALCIP program is delivered on a piecemeal basis through either distance learning or individual courses being taught by instructors in the communities. In other cases the students taking the courses are not eligible for student financial assistance to help defray the cost of living expenses because it is not offered as a full-time program, Mr. Speaker.

This is an important program, coupled with the fact that the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment has clearly clarified through the ministerial directive the importance of using funds provided for aboriginal language and cultural programs properly, I believe there is a clear need to ensure there are qualified aboriginal language and cultural instructors in every school of the Northwest Territories. I know of many people who are interested in taking this program and learning how to share their traditional knowledge and language in the classrooms for the next generation of northerners, but these same people are not able to take time away from their employment and their families, take a part-time course delivered on an intermittent basis, Mr. Speaker.

However, Mr. Speaker, I do know these people would be prepared to attend a full-time program at a college and work towards their diploma if they were able to access benefits under the Student Financial Assistance Program and support their families.

Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment at the appropriate time. Mahsi.

---Applause