December 14, 2011 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment supports community-based teacher education programming, which provides increased access to students across the Northwest Territories. Graduates of these programs will increase the number of Aboriginal educators in our school system.

Currently, Aurora College is delivering the community-based Teacher Education Program, including a  Community Educator Preparation component, for both the Teacher Education and Aboriginal Language and Cultural Instructor programs.  In 2010-11, the College began offering the first year of the Aboriginal Language and Cultural Instructor Program, and for 2011-12, the first year of the Teacher Education Program is available in the Beaufort Delta. Eighteen students are enrolled in this three year Diploma program, based in Inuvik, and language and culture are being included in the courses wherever possible.  Aurora College is also delivering the Aboriginal Language and Cultural Instructor Program at the K’atl’odeeche First Nation Reserve.

This builds on the successes the Department has seen to date with the Tlicho community-based Teacher Education and Aboriginal Language and Cultural Instructor Programs, and the establishment of regional and community teacher education coordinating committees.  These committees involve Aboriginal governments, district education councils and education training specialists that identify opportunities for education and training within the regions.

Partnerships are key to the success of these programs.  Working with First Nations, Aboriginal governments, Aurora College, and the District Education Councils, the Department is ensuring greater access and relevant programming for educational opportunities at the community level.

Mr. Speaker, the advantages of community-based Teacher Education and Aboriginal Language Cultural Instructor Programs are numerous, which is the reason behind our commitment to implement delivery at the community level.  This approach provides continuous community support for teacher candidates and the program, and puts a stronger focus on the role of the teacher as community member.  It provides greater opportunities to join theory and practice throughout the program.  It enhances the interaction between community- and campus- based faculty; and strengthens the emotional connection in students’ social, cultural and family networks.

Graduates will be eligible to support an educational system that is based on the culture and heritage of the people of the NWT.  These programs are an important part of the Strategy for Teacher Education in the Northwest Territories: 2007-2015, and the Northwest Territories Aboriginal Languages Plan – A Shared Responsibility and reflects the goals of all Members of this Assembly in choosing our theme:  Believing in People and Building on the Strengths of Northerners.                                   
 
Masi, Mr. Speaker.