Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Arctic College was divided into two institutions on January 1st of last year. After a round of public consultations, the western institution was named Aurora College. As a result, both the Inuvik campuses and the college were named Aurora.Public consultaition was undertaken last fall and suggstions were collected for a new name for the Inuvik campus. After the election, the new MLAs for the Inuvik region were invited to make recommendations and consult with their constituents. There was an overwhelming response in the region to keep the present name.After considering the results of the consultation, I am please to announce that Aurora has been confirmed as the name for the college campus in Inuvik.---ApplauseMr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to bring the Members of this Assembly up to date on some of the excellent work that is being carried out at Aurora College.One of the government's priorities is to work towards healthy communities and community-based problem solving by supporting community wellness. In response to commuity interest in developing and delivering community wellness projects, Aurora College has been proactive in the development of a community wellness worker training program for the Inuvik region.Initial development has focused on exploring the possibility of developing a one to two-year collge program which would train a core group of people in their home community to deal with a variety of issues with a focus on prevention, healing and treatment. Each community would identify its own needs and the type of work it would like the community wellness workers to carry out. This community-based approach would offer a holistic approach that addresses the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental needs of community members.College staff have developed a prototype for a community wellness worker certificate to promote discussion about the possibility of establishing such a program, and to help assess the level of interest. Presentations have been made in Inuvik and Fort Good Hope, and reaction has been favourable. It is hoped that this initiavite will continue to receive the support it needs to implement this program. Mr. Speaker, another exciting initiative in the Inuvik region is the fine arts certificate program. The program started in May of last year and since then, 17 aboriginal students have explored a variety of media, such as sculpture, painting, print-making, drawing, photography and computer graphics. I had a chance to see first hand some of the students' work when I recently visited Inuvik. Summer practicum have also helped the students develop their skills in a number of areas, including business and marketing.The students have recently been accepted by the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the National Gallery in Ottawa to do a two-week internship in April. The internship will help students expand their artistic horizons and knowledge base through classes or workshops, and through tours of local galleries, churches, the Parliament Buildings and other places of interest.The Canadian Museum and National Gallery will also benefit from the internship, as the students share their cultural knowledge. The internship includes an additional week at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre here in Yellowknife.As part of the internship, the students have been asked to present a small exhibit of their artwork at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and National Gallery. Mr. Speaker, this is an opportunity that few artists achieve in the lifetime. The students are currently carrying out the necessary planning and fund-raising for their trip. We should all feel proud of these NWT artists.I am pleased with the continued development of new training initiatives throughout the college system that are focused on preparing Northerners for a changing employment market.
Thank you.
---Applause