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I am honoured to be here today to speak at the Expressions of Reconciliation Ceremony.  I stand before you as the minister of the Northwest Territories government department dedicated to educating the young people of the North.

I am aware that there is an historic connection between the department I am responsible for, and many of the events and experiences that are being shared around these circles this week.

YELLOWKNIFE (July 3, 2012) –  Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, offered a gift during the Expressions of Reconciliation ceremony at the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) national gathering in Saskatoon.

The ceremony gives individuals, organizations, and representatives of the parties to the Residential Schools Settlement Agreement the opportunity to make statements, presentations, or apologies directly to survivors. 

YELLOWKNIFE (July 3, 2012) – The groundwork for an NWT anti-poverty strategy and action plan was laid out last week at a roundtable in Hay River. The participants reached consensus on a draft vision and strategic priorities and started discussions on guiding principles and goals and objectives. Participants also agreed on a theme: Poverty-Free NWT.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 26, 2012) – Jane Arychuk has been appointed Interim President of Aurora College while the College continues the competitive hiring process.

Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, made the three-month appointment in consultation with the Aurora College Board of Governors. It is effective July 3, 2012.

“We are pleased to announce that Ms. Arychuk has accepted the position,” said Minister Lafferty.  “She brings a strong background and professional experience in education.”

YELLOWKNIFE (June 19, 2012) -- Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Jackson Lafferty reaffirmed the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) commitment to inclusive schooling and early childhood development today.

As part of the Legislative Assembly’s review and approval of the 2012-13 Main Estimates, the GNWT has agreed to reallocate $1 million to early childhood development.  This new investment in early childhood development is being funded through a reallocation from funds previously allocated to inclusive schooling.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 18, 2012) – In partnership with the 30 members of the No Place for Poverty Coalition, the GNWT has formed an Antipoverty Steering Committee to lead in the development of a Northwest Territories antipoverty strategy.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 14, 2012) -- Sarah Wright Cardinal has resigned from the position of President of Aurora College, effective June 13, 2012.  Hired in August 2009, Ms. Wright Cardinal has decided to pursue studies towards a Doctoral degree.

“I would like to thank Ms. Wright Cardinal for her contribution to the College and wish her all the best as she continues her personal pursuit of higher education,” said Jackson Lafferty, Minister responsible for Aurora College.

June 13, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment wishes to congratulate all the graduates from high schools, Aurora College and apprenticeship programs.

Aurora College saw 140 graduates this spring – 43 from Thebacha Campus, 53 from the North Slave Campus and 44 from the Aurora Campus.  Graduates received certificates, diplomas and degrees in programs like Environment and Natural Resource Technology, Education, Nursing, Business Administration and Social Work.

June 12, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to continually improving our education systems, including curricula.

June 11, 2012 - Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment is committed to improving educational outcomes for all students of the Northwest Territories. We have developed new curricula that will be introduced in the Fall.

As part of our efforts to develop culturally appropriate and engaging learning opportunities for our students, Northern Studies 10 includes a new focus on the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. Optional implementation of the new course will begin with the 2012-13 school year and become mandatory in 2013-14.