Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to announce that the first class of Aurora College graduates to have completed their Bachelor of Education degree in the Northwest Territories held their convocation in Fort Smith on April 27, 2008. The class included 15 graduates. Thirteen are from the Northwest Territories communities of Deline, Fort Good Hope, Fort Simpson, Fort Smith and Yellowknife. Two graduates are from outside of the NWT, from Fort Chipewyan in Alberta and Richibucto Village, New Brunswick. I congratulate all of the graduates and welcome them into the workforce. I learned that many of these graduates will be returning or beginning to work in schools across the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, ensuring we have a representative workforce in our schools isn’t just about providing jobs for people in the communities. It also makes it possible for Northerners to become role models for NWT students, opening more doors for them. We want our young aboriginal students to pursue skilled professions and trades, so it is important for them to see people from their own communities succeeding in such jobs that currently exist in their communities. What is more, research shows that culture-based education that reflects and respects the students’ heritage, language and life experience enhances that students’ self-esteem and therefore greatly improves educational outcomes. We know how important it is to invest in the quality of our training so that Northerners are ready and able to get jobs. The extension of the Bachelor of Education program to full completion at Aurora College is one great example of how quality training in the Northwest Territories can lead to employment for Northerners in the North.
The Teacher Education Program has existed as a partnership between Aurora College, the University of Saskatchewan through the Indian Teacher Education Program, and the Government of the Northwest Territories for over 30 years. By working together we have made it possible for Northerners to gain a Bachelor of Education without leaving their homes and relocating to the south. This was just an example of more degree programs to come to the North.
The department will continue to work with our partners to find new ways and even better means of providing such opportunity. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
