Respect Yourself: Community-based training about healthy youth sexuality

News Releases

YELLOWKNIFE (November 26, 2012) – Educators, health staff, youth workers, and counselors in twelve communities are being trained to teach NWT youth about healthy sexuality.

“Our territory has seen a drop in sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates,” said Tom Beaulieau, Minister of Health and Social Services. “This has happened because of our ongoing efforts to educate the public, especially youth, and to support healthy choices. Sexual health is not just about preventing the spread of STIs. It is about healthy relationships and a respect for yourself and your partner. By investing in education for youth, we can encourage life-long healthy relationships for all of our residents.”

The STI educator will visit twelve communities over the next five months to train people to use the lesson plan developed by the Department of Health and Social Services to complement the NWT health curriculum. Community educators will also be encouraged to use the Respect Yourself website and the Kiss Me Deadly comic book. The next training sessions will be held in Fort Providence on November 28 and Behchoko on November 30.

Healthy relationships are the result of healthy choices, a priority of the 17th Legislative Assembly. All residents need information and support to develop and maintain healthy relationships, but youth and young adults have the highest rate of STIs in the NWT.  The Respect Yourself campaign targets youth between the ages of 13 to 19 years old. For more information about STIs, visit the Department of Health and Social Services’ website.   

For more information, contact:                

Damien Healy
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927