WHEREAS it is critically important that elders in the Northwest Territories share their knowledge and culture in our schools;
AND WHEREAS elders in most communities are willing to teach the young people in schools, or as part of school programs on the land;
AND WHEREAS the simple presence of supportive elders in school and the high degree of respect that they get adds to students’ sense of security and strengthens their ability to learn;
AND WHEREAS elders should be compensated for their work and time, like anyone else providing a valuable service to the GNWT;
AND WHEREAS the Government of Nunavut has organized the teaching role of elders in schools and made policies for their involvement, including compensation, in its “Innait Inuksiutilirijiit” program;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Weledeh, that this Legislative Assembly strongly recommends the Department of Education, Culture and Employment devise a certification program to certify elders to teach in NWT schools in time for the start of the new school year in the fall of 2011.