YELLOWKNIFE (May 18, 2012) – The Government of the Northwest Territories recently met with Aboriginal and social program leaders to collaboratively discuss child and family resources available in the NWT and the development of Child and Family Resource Centres.

Topics such as brain development in early childhood, the Early Development Instrument, healthy families, and existing resources were discussed. Several action items were declared, including community ownership and a focus on improving programming and supports for children aged 0-3 and their families.

“I am pleased to have participated with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and stakeholders to begin the work developing child and family services resource centres,” says the Honourable Tom Beaulieu, Minister of Health and Social Services.  “By working together, we can improve the lives of children through improving our supports to family.”

Range Lake MLA Daryl Dolynny said, “As Deputy Chair of the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Social Programs and co-chair of the Advisory Meeting on Child and Family Resource Centres, it was very clear that making effective Early Childhood programming available to northern families, especially from 0-3 years of age, may be the single most important thing we can do to create a healthy, prosperous and just society in the Northwest Territories.”

“Early childhood development is imperative for the future of the Northwest Territories,” said the Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.  “The expertise of the Aboriginal and social program leaders will continue to be heard to assist us in bettering support for communities, families and parents.”


For more information, please contact:

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Public Affairs
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-6222
Email: jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca