September 26, 2011 - The Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the NWT Mining Heritage Society have launched a new initiative designed to give students in the North a new appreciation for their land and spark an interest in pursuing careers in geology, the earth sciences and mining.

They have partnered to make the CBC-produced Nature of Things series: Geological Journey 1, together with supporting materials for teachers, available as a resource in every school in the NWT and Nunavut.

The program chronicles the geological history of Canada and fosters greater understanding of geological processes. It supports many of the geological concepts prescribed in the K-12 science curricula and especially high school programming in the Experiential Science curriculum.

The series was chosen because it features Canadian geology, exploration, geological history, career opportunities and the importance of mining to our country and economy.

The NWT Mining Heritage Society purchased the site licences, DVD’s and teacher support materials through assistance from the Walter Gibbins Memorial Trust Fund.

Walter Gibbins was a government geologist who looked after the Arctic Regions of the NWT and Nunavut. A Memorial Trust Fund was set up after Walter's passing in 1992. It is used to promote geological awareness and education in the North.

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Green
Public Affairs Officer
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-3059
Email: ashley_green@gov.nt.ca