August 19, 2011 - Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty speaks on the Aboriginal Student Achievement Awards, the importance of having early childhood education and the support from all levels of the community throughout the entire education process to ensure Aboriginal children's healthy development.
Mr. Speaker, one of the ways the Department of Education, Culture and Employment has worked towards this Assembly’s goal of healthy educated people is through the Aboriginal Student Achievement initiative. Regional Aboriginal Student Achievement forums were an important part of this, with the final forum in May 2011. All the forums had excellent attendance and participation from youth, Elders, Aboriginal leaders, education authorities and community leaders.
Subsequently, a meeting was held with Aboriginal government leaders, educational authorities and Aurora College to discuss the outcomes of the regional forums. All leaders agreed that the four priority areas the Aboriginal Student Achievement Working Group identified are priorities that will improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal students.
For each priority, all leaders agreed on specific goals. For Early Childhood and Child Care leaders agreed to develop early childhood programs, services and initiatives to optimize Aboriginal children’s healthy development. For Literacy leaders have set a goal to eliminate the literacy gap between Aboriginal and other students. In the area of Student and Family Support the goal is to provide some support services for Aboriginal students and families to help ensure academic success. Finally for Aboriginal Language and Culture and Resource Development leaders identified support for Aboriginal students to reach their full potential to become proficient in their language and strong in their culture.
District Education Authorities chairpersons and Aboriginal leaders expressed interest in annual meetings to further discuss the Northwest Territories’ education system and receive updates on the Aboriginal Student Achievement initiative. All groups agreed to meet annually and proposed signing an Education Partnership Declaration. This demonstrates the shared commitment to work together in a collaborative manner to improve the academic success of Aboriginal students.
On July 20, 2011, all parties signed the historic Education Partnership Declaration, resulting in the completed Aboriginal Student Achievement Education Plan, which I will table later today.
Mr. Speaker, this is an exciting time of the year, with students getting ready to start a new school year in the next several weeks when they will have the opportunity to learn important skills they need for their future. It also provides a fresh start for those who stopped attending school in the past.
As leaders and parents, we must encourage all students to attend school daily and to work hard and do their best.
This Education Plan is for our youth. Northern children are our future and they deserve to have the best quality, culturally relevant education system available. Through our work all parties agreed it will take the combined efforts of many departments, youth, Aboriginal governments, education authorities and community leaders to implement the Education Plan. Everyone has an important role to play.
Though there has been a significant increase in NWT high school graduates over the past few years, we still have much to do. We must ensure our graduates are well prepared to pursue their educational and career goals, and to be active responsible citizens who contribute to the economic and social well-being of our communities and our territory. The Education Plan and the Education Partnership Declaration provides us with the best possible opportunity.
Masi, Mr. Speaker.