Education, Culture and Employment

Minister R.J. Simpson meets with education leaders for final meeting of 2021

The Honourable R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), met virtually with education leaders on Dec. 14 to provide an update on several ECE initiatives to improve student outcomes in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The ongoing COVID-19 situation was also discussed, including vaccines for children aged 5-11, impacts to Diploma Exams, and Christmas travel protocols for educators.

Aurora College completes first phase of transformation to a polytechnic University

Work to create a new polytechnic university for the Northwest Territories (NWT) took a significant step forward with the unanimous passage of Bill 30: An Act to Amend the Aurora College Act by the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories on December 8, 2021.

The new legislation sets the stage for the creation of a truly arm’s length post-secondary institution – a feature for the governance of the new polytechnic that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has repeatedly heard is a priority for NWT residents. 

Deadline extended for Early Childhood Infrastructure Fund

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has extended the proposal deadline for the Early Childhood Infrastructure Fund (ECIF) to January 17, 2022. This extension provides applicants with additional time to complete their proposals.

The ECIF provides funding for projects that are required to preserve existing infrastructure of licensed centre-based child care spaces or create new licensed centre-based child care spaces in NWT communities.

Northwest Territories announces partnership for renewal of JK-12 school curriculum and assessments

Minister R.J. Simpson and British Columbia (BC) Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside are pleased to announce that the Northwest Territories (NWT) will partner with BC for the renewal of the Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 (JK-12) school curriculum and assessments. This decision is the result of extensive research, analysis, and more than 40 consultation and engagement sessions with Indigenous governments, education bodies, the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association (NWTTA) and educators.

What We Heard Report released on Junior Kindergarten – Grade 12 curriculum renewal

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) has released a What We Heard Report that presents the findings from an engagement and consultation process into the renewal of the Northwest Territories (NWT) Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 (JK-12) school curriculum and possibilities for a western provincial partnership. These findings will help to inform decisions made about the NWT JK-12 school curriculum and future partnerships.

New exhibit at PWNHC demonstrates resiliency through a 21st century pandemic

The travelling exhibit ‘Breathe: Creating resilience through traditional art’ presented by the Departments of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and Health and Social Services (HSS) is set to open Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC).

The exhibit will be on display until April 2022 and can be viewed Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm at PWNHC.

GNWT launching credited NWT hunter education course for high school students

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) and the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) are pleased to announce the launch of a credited “Hunter Education” course for high school students in the Northwest Territories (NWT). This course will provide new hunters with the fundamental knowledge and basic skills needed for them to become respectful and safe hunters.

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