Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment released the following statement today regarding World Teachers’ Day on October 5, 2024:

“As the Minister of Education, Culture, and Employment and a parent, I have the privilege of seeing the pivotal role that teachers play in the growth and development of our children from both sides of the coin. Every single day, their work goes far beyond the classroom walls, as they continually inspire, mentor, and guide our students to achieve their best.

The attached is being distributed on behalf of the Kátł’odeeche First Nation and the Government of the Northwest Territories

The Government of the Northwest Territories is accepting nominations for the 2024 NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards. This year marks the 33rd year of these awards, which recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions volunteers make in communities across the territory.

Residents are encouraged to nominate elders, youth, individuals, or group volunteers in their communities who donate their time to improve the quality of life for NWT residents.

Awards are presented in the following categories:

The new Canadian Adult Education Credential will be available in the Northwest Territories starting November 1, 2024.

Through the new Canadian Adult Education Credential, adults without a high school diploma can now earn their high school equivalency. It opens new doors for jobs, applying for post secondary education, or accessing other educational and training opportunities, including apprenticeships.

In recognition of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is highlighting the critical importance of installing working smoke alarms in homes. The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2024, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”, underscores the vital role smoke alarms play in providing early warning and time to safely evacuate if a fire occurs. 

Minister of Justice, R.J. Simpson, announced today the appointment of the Honourable Judge Jeannie Scott to the position of Chief Judge of the Territorial Court of the Northwest Territories.

Under the Territorial Court Act, the Chief Judge is appointed to a term of five years. The term of the current Chief Judge, the Honourable Chief Judge Robert Gorin, will expire on October 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm at which point the Chief Judge Scott’s term will take effect.

In response to the ongoing syphilis outbreak declared in 2019, and an increased rate of other sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), the Government of the Northwest Territories will open a temporary STI clinic in Yellowknife on October 1, 2024.

The clinic will offer a safe, confidential space for testing and treating Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infection (STBBI). It will stay open for at least a year while there is heightened concern about the transmission of STBBIs.

Ministerial Activities Advisory for the week of October 1-7, 2024

Ministerial Travel 

Please note that travel schedules may change with little or no notice. This schedule is accurate as of September 30, 2024. 

The Government of the Northwest Territories is now accepting applications for the Indigenous Language Revitalization Scholarship.

Ten scholarships valued at $5,000 each will be awarded to eligible NWT students enrolled in certificate, diploma or degree programs that support Indigenous language revitalization during the 2024-25 school year.

Priority will be given to NWT students enrolled in programs offered by accredited post-secondary institutions.

The application deadline is December 1, 2024, at 5 pm MT.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) are encouraging all Northwest Territories (NWT) residents to regularly test their smoke alarms and participate in "Test Your Smoke Alarm Day" on September 28, 2024.

This Ontario-led initiative now forms part of a broader national campaign supported by the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners to raise awareness of the importance of working smoke alarms in homes across the country.