YELLOWKNIFE (March 28, 2012) – The first Dene languages apps for iPhones and similar devices will be available for free download on the iTunes store in late April.

“I am very pleased to be announcing the launch of this important tool,” said Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.  “We must ensure that our languages are preserved and revitalized for generations to come.  Engaging our youth in learning their traditional languages through this new technology is a progressive and encouraging step.”

YELLOWKNIFE (March 27, 2012) – The Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, met with representatives of the Aboriginal Languages Revitalization Board last week.

YELLOWKNIFE (March 23, 2012) – At the Heart of It, the seventh book in The Land is Our Storybook series, was launched at the Prince Of Wales Northern Heritage Centre with authors Mindy Willett and Raymond Taniton. 

YELLOWKNIFE (February 28, 2012) – The Northwest Territories results for the 2011 Alberta Achievement Tests (AAT), Functional Grade Levels (FGL) and attendance were released today.

“The results are important indicators that help us track student performance and the success of the education system in the Northwest Territories,” says the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Jackson Lafferty. “We are able to spot areas of concern and address them.”

YELLOWKNIFE (Thursday, February 23, 2012) – The Government of Canada’s Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has approved significant new funds for adult education in the Northwest Territories as part of a five-year Pan-Territorial project.

YELLOWKNIFE (Monday, February 20, 2012) – Monday, February 20^th is National Heritage Day.

February 15, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, February 20th to 24th marks Education Week. We are celebrating the academic achievements of students across the Northwest Territories and recognizing educators who support and strengthen our education system.

February 14, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, recently MLA Blake and I visited Fairbanks, Alaska, to learn about the Alaska Native Language Program. The trip had both an education and a language focus and I think we can learn a lot from their retention and revitalization strategies, and language acquisition and teaching methods. I believe these significantly complement our approaches in the Northwest Territories.

February 9, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, this government promotes the importance of trained and certified skilled journeypersons.  We encourage our youth to consider skilled trades as a great career choice, and we celebrate the success of our apprentices and journeypersons. 

February 8, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, now, more than ever, Northerners are realizing the importance of literacy. January 27 was family literacy day.  Celebrating Family Literacy Day helps recognize the important role that families play in literacy development.

The Northwest Territories has vast economic potential, and Northerners want to be able to access the jobs being created. We know that to take advantage of the opportunities we must have a skilled, educated and literate workforce.