Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Caroline Cochrane, is pleased to announce the names of five recipients inducted into the 2018 Minister’s Culture and Heritage Circle on October 29, 2018.

Recipients are recognized and respected in their communities for leadership, participation and significant contributions to the arts, culture and heritage. By category, the recipients for the 2018 Minister’s Culture and Heritage Circle are:

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Mr. Speaker, our cultures and languages are the foundation of our work in Education, Culture and Employment. When our languages and cultures are strong, our people are strong, and our work is much more successful. I am pleased to report that we are seeing progress in our efforts to retain, preserve, and promote Northwest Territories languages and cultures.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Caroline Cochrane, today released the Government’s Response to the Aurora College Foundational Review Report (“Review Report”), announcing the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university to better meet the needs of residents of the Northwest Territories. 

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has accepted the overarching recommendation to transform the College into a polytechnic university.

Mr. Speaker, later today I will table the Government Response to the Findings and Recommendations of the Aurora College Foundational Review marking the end of a year-long review process.

This Review has provided an opportunity to step back and evaluate where we are today and where we need to be in the future. Postsecondary education is essential to the growth and prosperity of our territory, and Aurora College continues to play a critical role in providing residents with options for obtaining that education in the NWT.

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Mr. Speaker, we are continuing with our mandate commitment to implement the Education Renewal and Innovation Framework and Action Plan. I am pleased to report that the education system is improving to meet the needs of the students, educators and families of the Northwest Territories. We are at the mid-point of our 10-year strategy, and we are seeing numerous successes and further opportunities for action.

Education, Culture and Employment  (ECE) Minister  Caroline Cochrane met with leaders of territorial education bodies during the first week of October to discuss progress.

The Yellowknife launch of the cross-Canada touring art and film installation pÎkiskwe-speak: An Invitation to Conversations in Reconciliation will be marked by a special event at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has shown significant improvement in its French language communications and services, according to an independent report released today.

A new Film Apprenticeship Program will soon provide opportunities for the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) film workforce to gain on-the-job experience with major film productions.

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) Wally Schumann announced the initiative on Saturday at the NWT Film Gala and awards event concluding Yellowknife’s 12th annual International Film Festival.