Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement today addresses the lack of adequate gymnasium space for K’alemi Dene School, the community school of Ndilo. KDS currently serves 120 students from junior kindergarten through to grade 12. This school is one of the few in the NWT at capacity that has no gym. K’alemi Dene School was built for a capacity of 121 students and is presently sitting at 100 per cent utilization. The five-year projection for this school is 140 students, which would put the utilization at 116 per cent. According to the priorities of their capital plan submission, they would like a new gym and classroom space to accommodate increased enrolment. As you know, Mr. Speaker, the physical activity is critical in the healthy development of our youth. It is well known that physical activity positively impacts healthy living with both intermediate and long-term benefits. Healthy habits start at childhood. By providing an adequate gymnasium for K’alemi Dene School, we are making a commitment to the students’ long-term success in life. At this time, Mr. Speaker, K’alemi Dene School is totally reliant upon the YKDFN gymnasium for physical education. Unfortunately, this option is not always available, as the band requires the gymnasium for meetings and current community events. Additionally, the YKDFN gymnasium is very small. The lack of space makes it difficult for older students to develop the skills to be a competitive level and impossible for them to hold any type of tournament. Mr. Speaker, in response to the TRC recommendation, the GNWT committed to working actively to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, in the mandate of this Legislative Assembly, we speak to the K to 12 support systems to improve educational outcomes. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment at the appropriate time. Marci cho, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members’ statements. Member for Nahendeh.
