Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, industrious northern students are already submitting their applications for work as summer students and interns with the Government of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, today I want to honour their hard work and their commitment to live, work, and give back to their home communities by talking a little bit about student success.

We know that quality early childhood education, whether provided at home, at playschool, or through programs like the Aboriginal Head Start or junior kindergarten, are critical to the emotional and intellectual foundation that our children need to thrive. A foundation is just that, something to build on. As students move through primary and elementary school and then high school, they need programs that deliver core curriculum, but also programs that speak to unique community and cultural needs.

Mr. Speaker, cultural programming ensures that students can remain immersed in their culture, their language, traditions, and activities throughout the course of their western education. Plus, local people such as elders, language teachers, and hunters and trappers can be included in the planning and delivering of this programming. They can pass on knowledge, values, and traditional ways of life.

Mr. Speaker, attendance at school and the completion of schoolwork fills the majority of students' waking hours for the entirety of their development from the age of four to the age of 18, if not beyond. Where culture-based education is fully integrated into students' experiences, their sense of pride and community will soon follow. With pride and cultural strength come improved performance and achievement, including attendance and marks. That is why we need to support our students to succeed both in high school and beyond to any opportunities that they wish to pursue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.