June 16, 2011 - Approximately 50 high school students, gathered from across the NWT, are discussing their concerns and ideas to improve education in the North as the Aboriginal Student Achievement (ASA) Youth Forum gets underway in Fort Smith.
“Youth are integral to the future of the Northwest Territories and their education determines our success as a strong and prosperous Territory,” says Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. “Their voice is vital in developing the ASA Education Plan to improve the educational outcomes of all Northern students.”

Through interactive activities, youth are expressing their opinions on the current education system, what education means to them and what they would change to improve education in the Territory. Discussions that focus on attendance and re-enrolment are also taking place.

The ASA Youth Forum is part of the larger NWT Youth Symposium hosted by Aurora College running June 13 to 17, 2011.

For more information, please contact:
Amy Doerksen
Manager, Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222 / (867) 446-4164
Email: amy_doerksen@gov.nt.ca