Royal Visit Results in New Technology for Indigenous Students in the Yukon

FOR RELEASE – MON. SEPTEMBER 26th

Royal Visit Results in New Technology for Indigenous Students in the Yukon

WHITEHORSE – On Wednesday September 28^th, their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the the Duska Head Start Family Learning Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, to unveil a new book written in the Southern Tutchone language. 30 students of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation will receive a digital copy of the book and accompanying video on personal laptops donated by One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada. The book has been produced as part of an initiative of Prince’s Charities Canada (which supports the Canadian charitable work of The Prince of Wales) and its partners SayITFirst, the Yukon Native Languages Centre, the Duska Head Start Learning Centre.

Since launching in 2010, OLPC Canada has provided over 15,000 Indigenous students with technology pre-loaded with educational and cultural content. Influential Indigenous singer-song writer Buffy Sainte-Marie is among those who have contributed to OLPC’s digital library. With the opportunity presented by the Royal visit, OLPC will add Whitehorse to its growing network of more than 70 Indigenous communities impacted by donations of technology. OLPC Laptops, tablets and desktops are provided through sponsorship by TD Bank Group, Vale, Rotary Clubs and individual donors.

At present, there are outstanding requests for support from more than 220 communities, representing more than 20,000 Indigenous students from coast to coast to coast. Ross River School in the Yukon Territory is among those who are seeking access to OLPC technology for 60 students ranging from grades 4-12. “The use of technology is greatly needed to enhance student success in school” said Ross River Principal Fran Etzel “Many do not own computers, so the use of technology at home is limited. New digital tools can enhance student learning both at school and home”. Canadians can contribute to the campaign for Ross River by visiting www.olpccanada.com.

About One Laptop per Child Canada

One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Canada enhances education for Aboriginal youth with technological tools designed for 21^st century learners. For more information, please contact Jennifer Martino, Executive Director, OLPC Canada (martino@olpccanada.com) or 416-642-5455. www.olpccanada.com.