Caitlin Cleveland: Update on Education Act Modernization

October 30, 2024

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Following portion will be spoken in Dene Kǝdǝ́

[Mr. Speaker, genuine education is rooted in place and culture, and it cannot be nurtured in isolation. As the guiding piece of legislation for our Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system, it is essential that the Education Act includes the voices and perspectives of Indigenous governments and our education partners.

The 20th Legislative Assembly will mark the first time the GNWT co-develops legislation on social policy with Indigenous governments, through the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders and education partners, to modernize the system’s structure and governance. This collaborative approach represents not just a legislative process, but a critical step toward shaping a system that genuinely reflects the values, culture, and aspirations of the people it serves.]

Resume English

Mr. Speaker, modernizing the Education Act is not merely a procedural update, it is transformational in its potential. For decades, our education system has operated under frameworks that did not fully consider the diverse needs of our students or the knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples. By revisiting and renewing this legislation, we aim to create an education system that is more inclusive, reflective of NWT communities, and equipped to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the NWT. This work holds the potential to close persistent gaps in educational outcomes, foster stronger language revitalization, and provide students with a foundation that better prepares them for the world beyond the classroom.

Conversation and collaboration about how Indigenous governments and communities can meaningfully lead and participate in the governance of a system that educates future generations is crucial to reconciliation. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake, we are still reconciling with a painful history, where education was once used as tool of assimilation.

Today, we seek to strengthen Indigenous voices, culture, and language at every level, from governance to the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, updating the Education Act is also intended to support improved student outcomes. Earlier this year, the 2022-2023 report on the state of the Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system was published. While there were some promising results, the report highlighted persistent gaps in outcomes, including declining attendance rates and stagnant graduation rates.

The data shows significant outcome gaps between NWT students and the Canadian average; between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in the NWT; and between students in Yellowknife, regional centres, and smaller communities.

Addressing these gaps requires a multipronged approach, including modernizing the Education Act, updating regulations, and streamlining Ministerial Directives. This Fall, ECE will be re-engaging with Indigenous governments and education partners on next steps to modernize the Education Act. This effort requires longer-term discussions and is a major part of writing a different education story.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most exciting aspects of this work is its potential to reshape the future of education in the North. By co-developing legislation, Indigenous governments can have a leading role in shaping their education systems, allowing for programs and approaches that are directly responsive to local needs, values, and aspirations. This ensures that education is not only relevant, but a source of empowerment. This kind of self-determined education system will create pathways to success that are grounded in the unique strengths of the North’s people.

I am eager to see the positive impacts of this transformative work ripple across the Northwest Territories for years to come. But I also want to emphasize how this must be a sustained effort and collaborative endeavour over the long-term.

Following portion will be spoken in Dene Kǝdǝ́

[I want to honour the work of Indigenous governments and educators who have, and continue to, work tirelessly in our communities.  This is an immense undertaking, one I am honoured to play a role in, and one that would not be possible without the collaboration of Indigenous governments, our education partners, and the educators and school staff.]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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