Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. (Translation) Mr. Speaker, my Member's statement today is very important. There's a lot of graduates in our territory today and as leaders and elders, we have a high school. They want a better school in our community. (Translation ends)
...of the Tlicho high school as outlined in my Member's statement the other day in this House. I think it is time that this government refocuses capital planning initiatives into the NWT and Canada that is ready to take on any major development initiatives that comes its way.
Mr. Speaker, it is apparent that a new facility for Aurora College is in the planning stages, preliminary stages, Mr. Speaker. The department is currently searching for land to situate their new building on in Yellowknife; a difficult task, to say the least, during this time of limited land space, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, it also seems apparent that in order for Aurora College to become the premier post-secondary institution and to be the first choice of post-secondary education facility for northerners, that the college and the department must rethink its program delivery and location.
Mr. Speaker, my leadership is seriously interested in having the new Aurora College campus to be rebuilt in Behchoko. The Tlicho have a mass of land available and are conveniently located one hour away from the city of Yellowknife. Behchoko would be the ideal location for this new facility, Mr. Speaker. There are numerous advantages to having Aurora College campus located in the community of Behchoko. Being the largest Dene community in the Northwest Territories and graduating the most aboriginal high school graduates than any other jurisdiction, many of the college potential students originate from the Tlicho region, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, a Behchoko Aurora College campus will be able to provide a truly unique northern post-secondary experience for all northerners, especially aboriginal northerners. Having the campus located in Behchoko would ensure that all students could be immersed into a rich, meaningful cultural atmosphere that reflects the traditions and cultures of NWT Dene population.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.