Quyannimik Ohakte. I am pleased to inform the Assembly of an initiative that will strengthen the importance of aboriginal culture and traditional skills in Eastern Arctic schools.
The Keewatin Divisional Education Council has just published "Fox Trapping in Nunavut". This course if offered through the career and technology studies curriculum. It takes its direction from the Inuuqatigiit curriculum and the cultural programs developed by the Keewatin Divisional Education Council and, in earlier days, by the Inuit Cultural Institute in Arviat.
The "Fox Trapping in Nunavut" module promotes traditional and contemporary Inuit knowledge and skills. By awarding students high school credit for successfully completing the course, the education system is recognising the importance of traditional knowledge and skills in an academic setting.
The successful development of this module is the result of the cooperation of elders, trappers, community organizations, and schools, as well as the Departments of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, and Education, Culture and Employment.
I would like to thank the people who participated in developing this new course of study, and would particularly like to recognise the Keewatin Divisional Education Council for its central role.
It further emphasizes our commitment to developing an educational system which is founded on the cultures of the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.