Teacher Education Program and Aboriginal Language and Culture Instructors Program – Programs in the Beaufort-Delta (Statement to the Legislative Assembly)

Hon. Jackson Lafferty
Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Mr. Speaker, increasing the number of Aboriginal teachers is a primary goal of the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce the expansion of our Teacher Education Diploma Program and Aboriginal Language and Culture Instructor Program.In September 2009, we will be delivering these two programs in the Beaufort-Delta. The program has been a success at Thebacha Campus, Fort Smith and in Behchoko. Having these two programs available in Inuvik allows education more accessible to people who want to stay in their home region. Students will have the option to complete Teacher Education and Aboriginal Language and Culture diplomas in their communities, or can do a final year in Fort Smith to finish a full Bachelor of Education.

Making education more accessible will give us more Aboriginal teachers, language instructors and program staff in our schools. The program has a key focus on the language and culture of the Beaufort-Delta region. They will help to preserve our strong past while teaching our children the skills they need for the future.

I wish to thank all those who have worked and are working to make the Teacher Education and Aboriginal Language and Culture Instructor programs a success. We have many partners in these programs including Aurora College, the divisional education councils, the Northwest Territories Teachers Association, and the University of Saskatchewan Indian Teacher Education Program. I look forward to seeing this program grow in the future.

Masi.