Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Mr. Speaker, during my recent constituency visit to Wrigley in January, I was contacted by the Wrigley DEA members and parents who are concerned that students who went to Fort Simpson for high school were having a lot of problems. If these students are to complete secondary school, their only alternative is to live in Fort Simpson and attend the Fort Simpson high school, and they cannot. Those that do attend are at the expense of the parents.
I am proud that in the past three years there have been a total of 14 children who travelled to Fort Simpson to begin their secondary education. However, I’m sad to say that presently there are only two students eligible for support by the Dehcho Divisional Council. I believe that our educational system is failing the parents and the students of Wrigley.
The parents feel that the Wrigley youth are not given enough support by the school system. Also, the parents do want input into how the residence is run and they do have some suggestions like extra professional guidance for assistance and also they identified that perhaps a male supervisor is needed at the student residence. Once again, Mr. Speaker, parents are calling for more support to ensure their children have the same opportunities as other students in the NWT and have requested a meeting to discuss experiences with the residents in Fort Simpson. I share the concerns of these parents.
I recommend that a review is done of this whole situation, including alternate accommodations as a solution. In a time when Aboriginal achievement is of great concern to all of us, we must find ways to encourage and support our secondary school students who come from small and remote communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for the Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.
