In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 11, the historic document has returned to the Northwest Territories (NWT) and is on display for public to view at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. until late October.

This is the first time the document has been in the north since traveling by river to the nine signatory communities in 1921 and 1922 when it was signed by representatives of the Dehcho, Tłı̨chǫ, Sahtu and Gwich'in and the Government of Canada.

The recent Court of Appeal decision in A.B. & Commission Scolaire francophone (CSFTNO) v. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) has affirmed the decisions of the former Minister of ECE regarding access of non-rights holders to French First Language education.

The Court of Appeal’s decision of September 1, 2021 confirms that the Minister’s decisions regarding the entry of non-rights holders into NWT francophone schools in 2018 were reasonable and reinstates both ministerial decisions.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is now accepting proposals for the Early Childhood Infrastructure Fund (ECIF).  For the 2022-2023 fiscal year, $1M is available through Early Childhood Infrastructure Fund to provide non-profit organizations and Indigenous governments with funding for infrastructure repairs and retrofits to support the preservation, expansion and creation of centre-based child care spaces in communities across the Northwest Territories.

As of August 27, residents holding a Northwest Territories (NWT) Journeyperson Certificate or a recognized trade certificate are eligible to apply for the Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Program.

The Blue Seal Program is geared to individuals with a valid Journeyperson Certificate, Occupational Certificate, or another valid trade certificate recognized in the NWT who wish to develop their business skills.

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) and the NWT Literacy Council are extending the nomination deadline for the annual NWT Ministerial Literacy Awards to September 3, 2021.

These awards provide an opportunity to honour the literacy achievements of youth and adult learners, exceptional educators, and organizations and businesses across the territory. Up to eight ministerial literacy awards may be given each year.

Ministerial Literacy Awards include:

·       Youth Learner Literacy Award

·       Adult Learner Literacy Award

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and Skills Canada NWT are partnering to present a Girls in Trades Workshop.

The workshop is designed to provide opportunities forfemale students to explore the trades as a potential career path with the added bonus, of boosting their confidence, teaching life skills and empowering them as young women to pursue a career path largely dominated by men.

Effective September 1, 2021, the minimum wage will increase from $13.46 per hour to $15.20 per hour.

The minimum wage rate in the NWT was last increased in 2018 and was set at a rate of $13.46 per hour. Since that time, the cost of living and the average hourly wage in the NWT have risen and minimum wage earners have fallen behind. The minimum wage increase strikes a balance between maintaining competitive wage rates and encouraging economic activity.

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Public Affairs and Communication

Protecting the health and safety of residents and communities is of the highest priority to the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) as we begin to prepare to reopen schools for the 2021-22 school year.

To safeguard the health and safety of students and school staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, schools will follow the recommendations of the NWT Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), while supporting the learning and well-being of all NWT students.

Ottawa, Ontario — Members of the media are invited to attend a virtual announcement with the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, MP Michael McLeod, Northwest Territories Minister R. J. Simpson and Aurora College President Andy Bevan to make an announcement on proposed investments in post-secondary education in the territory.

There will be a media availability following the announcement. Journalists who would like to participate in the Zoom event should notify RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca.

A new Tłı̨chǫ community exhibit ‘Treaty 11 – 100 years’ is now on display at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC). The exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of Chief Mǫwhì signing the treaty in Behchokǫ̀, NT, on August 22, 1921.

The exhibit is open to the public and can be viewed during regular operating hours at the PWNHC. An official opening will take place on July 16, 2021 at the PWNHC. The event is open to the public and will include a Feeding of the Fire Ceremony and remarks, followed by tea and bannock.