Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought I heard a late 'nay' but thankfully it was late.
Mr. Speaker, there is more. In a continued effort to offer high quality high school education to our small communities, the expansion of Northern Distance Learning is almost complete. We are excited to welcome the communities of Gameti, Wekweetii, Norman Wells, and Colville Lake to Northern Distance Learning, bringing the total number of participating small community schools to 19.
As well, the Indigenous Our Languages Curriculum has been approved and is being taught in all NWT schools that offer Indigenous language instruction. Ongoing teacher training is happening remotely, and resources continue to be developed to support this exciting new Indigenous language curriculum with a goal of revitalizing the traditional languages of our NWT residents.
Addressing gaps in student outcomes requires supports beyond the scope of education. Because of this, the department continues to work closely with the Department of Health and Social Services on initiatives that actively support the well-being and mental health of our students and their families. This includes the planning for the final phase of the rollout of the Child and Youth Community Counsellor program into the South Slave Region this upcoming school year.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to improving the education system and the outcomes for all our students. We are committed to effective and collaborative engagement on these critical initiatives so that together we will succeed in revitalizing our education system, achieving equitable access to education, and helping our children and youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to become capable people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.