Teacher training community-based

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Four new community-based teacher education programs are being planned for the Beaufort-Delta, the North Baffin, the Kitikmeot and the Dogrib regions.

"Aboriginal educators continue to make the languages and cultures of the Northwest Territories an integral part of our school system," said Richard Nerysoo, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

"Because of the vital contribution Aboriginal educators and Aboriginal language specialists make, increasing access to community teacher education programs for northern students is one of my priorities."

Two campus-based teacher education programs-The Western and Eastern Arctic Teacher Education Program-are out of reach for many northerners because of community and family commitments. Education boards and communities say they want greater influence in shaping teacher's programs.

The four new programs are expected to train more than 100 new Aboriginal teachers within the next three years. Grads will be able to continue their studies and work towards Bachelor of Education degrees at McGill University or the University of Saskatchewan.