National Strategy on Inuit Education Released Today
Inuit leaders today released a National Strategy on Inuit Education, containing several key priorities to improve Inuit education, including a focus on mobilizing parents, early childhood education, and measuring and assessing success.
“This strategy supports a number of objectives contained in the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador, including working with Aboriginal education authorities and the Federal Government to develop curricula that will foster Aboriginal languages and culture,” said the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador looks forward to an enhanced partnership with the Government of Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government as we work together to foster an improved education system for Inuit people.”
The strategy was developed by a 15-person committee that included representation from Canada’s national Inuit organization, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami; the Government of Canada; the provincial governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Quebec, Nunavut; as well as governments, groups and schoolboards throughout the four Inuit regions, including the Nunatsiavut Government and Labrador School Board.
The impetus for the strategy came from the National Summit on Inuit Education, which took place in 2008. A national committee was struck to develop the National Strategy on Inuit Education, with Newfoundland and Labrador participating in a working group to complete the strategy.
“The Provincial Government applauds Inuit leaders for making education a priority within their respective jurisdictions,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. “We expect the National Strategy on Inuit Education will be a positive catalyst for change, and we look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to develop an action plan around the identified priorities.”
To view the National Strategy on Inuit Education, visit: www.itk.ca
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Media contacts:
John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1674, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
2011 06 16 4:30 p.m.