Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Today I would like to talk about the need for industrial arts and home economics in the schools in Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e. We all know the benefits of these programs. I am sure many of us here had the opportunity to take one of these classes and learn the skills that we’re able to apply in situations today. Unfortunately, students and residents of Fort Resolution and Lutselk’e do not have this opportunity. If we were able to get these programs into the communities I think we could provide a service that could benefit the whole community, both young and old.
Both communities would like to see an industrial arts and home economics program that serves all members of the community. Not only will the students from each of the schools have these programs as part of their schooling, but community residents can also access these programs after school hours, which will benefit them as homeowners, to mention one benefit.
I have spoken with members in the communities and they have provided some creative solutions for this problem. One way of achieving this would take a collaborative effort between the community, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and Public Works and Services, and possibly even the NWT Housing Corporation.
In smaller communities with limited resources and limited facilities, we need to look at all possible options for addressing needs of the communities and its residents, and this is one such option. I’ve even spoken to some elders who have indicated they would like to pursue some traditional practices such as food preparation and tanning hides. Even this may create an opportunity for youth in these communities and they will learn such traditions.
Later today I will have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment on this matter.