Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. On October 17th to 19th in Yellowknife, Aurora College is hosting the Association of Community Colleges symposium on Serving Aboriginal Learners in Rural and Remote Communities. This event is an opportunity for aboriginal leaders, college educators, government officials and industry representatives to discuss strategy and best practice in aboriginal education at the college level.
Hosting a national conference with a focus on aboriginal learners is an honour for Aurora College. This unique conference attracts participants from smaller institutions with an aboriginal student population whose challenges and goals are similar to ours. Aurora College serves a population of over 650 full-time students at three regional campuses, with numerous other students taking courses through one of the 25 community learning centres. Most Aurora College students are aboriginal -- Dene, Metis, and Inuvialuit -- and many are from small and remote communities. Our jurisdiction has much to share with our colleagues from across the country.
Mr. Speaker, Aurora College is ideally suited to host this event. The college delivers a wide range of programs and courses as close to communities as possible. Staff at regional campuses, community learning centres and the Aurora Research Institute focus on student success, aboriginal perspectives, traditional knowledge and programming, and excellence in teaching and research. Aurora College now has more than 40 years’ experience in serving the aboriginal learners in rural and remote communities.
Many Northerners are speaking, presenting papers, facilitating panel discussions and attending this conference, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the participants at the beginning of the conference. A respected Fort Providence elder, Margaret Thom, is also present. Margaret Thom is an elder and a member of the Aurora College Board of Governors and she is a moderator for discussion on community-based programming and support services.
Mr. Speaker, other discussion topics at the conference include:
attracting, preparing and retaining aboriginal low-literacy learners;
funding for community-based programming;
aboriginal support services;
best practices in community-based programming;
embedding traditional knowledge in college;
taking actions for First Nations post-secondary education;
college-industry partnerships; and
best practices in partnerships to support aboriginal community development.
The conference also includes cultural ceremonies and events, including a feast and drum dance in Dettah, hosted by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
Mr. Speaker, the Association of Canadian Community Colleges symposium is an exciting event that provides participants with a chance to share their best programs and practices while learning from the knowledge and experience of others. It is also a wonderful opportunity for participants to see what the Northwest Territories and Aurora College have to offer. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
