YELLOWKNIFE, NT (April 18, 2012) – The Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), received support from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo for the Aboriginal Student Achievement (ASA) Education Plan.

“Creating and supporting partnerships is the key to building stronger minds and a stronger north,” says Minister Lafferty. “After the historic signing of the Declaration in July 2011 by all of the education and Aboriginal leaders in the Northwest Territories, we are delighted that National Chief Atleo supports this important initiative and is willing to become a signatory on the Declaration.”

Since 2009, when the Department of Education, Culture and Employment began to develop the ASA initiative with its partners, there have been numerous forums held in various communities for community leaders, residents, and youth across the NWT.  Feedback received at the forums confirmed the need to focus on critical priority areas:  early childhood development and child care, student and family support, Aboriginal language and culture curriculum and resource development and literacy.

“To date, we have implemented a number of activities outlined in the ASA plan,” said Minister Lafferty.  “We are supporting literacy development in partnership with our education authorities; we have implemented the Early Development Instrument and revised the kindergarten curriculum; we continue our work with languages and culture, with one of our recent successes being the launch of the Dene digital languages apps; we have programs and training in place for learners of all ages; and we continue to engage students in the importance of staying in school, and parents with the importance of being involved in their children’s education.  These are but a few of our activities designed to increase awareness, opportunity, and build foundations for Northerners to lead healthy productive lives.  With National Chief Atleo’s endorsement of our Aboriginal Student Achievement Education Plan, our goals are closer to being realized.”

“I would like to thank the Dene Leadership, the school boards and Minister Lafferty and the Government of Northwest Territories for all the good work done in building a foundation to not only reform but fundamentally transform education for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Peoples,” said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo.“We must act today across the country so that our children have the same educational opportunities as other children while respecting the importance of our languages and cultures. We have demonstrated the success that can be achieved, if fully supported and enabled, right across this country. A new generation of young leaders is emerging and this is a new dawn of tremendous hope and opportunity for all of our people and for all of Canada.”

The Aboriginal Student Achievement Education Plan was tabled during the August 2011 Session, and is available for download at www.ece.gov.nt.ca. 

For more information, please contact: 

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager | Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca
 
Alain Garon
Agent de communications bilingue / Bilingual Communications Officer
Assemblée des Premières Nations / Assembly of First Nations
473 Albert Street, Ottawa ON K1R 5B4
Tel: 613.241.6789, Ext. 382
Cell.: 613-292-0857
agaron@afn.ca