More details soon on how community learning centres will be replaced

The NWT’s education minister says a “critical path and timeline” for what replaces Aurora College’s community learning centres is coming soon.

The college decided earlier this year to close its centres in smaller communities, a decision that some groups opposed and which appeared to surprise the territorial government. Remaining centres will close in June.

On Thursday, Caitlin Cleveland told the legislature “engagement is under way” with Indigenous governments and communities on how the community learning centres should be replaced.

Cleveland has maintained that the solution is likely to look different from community to community depending on local needs, how communities want to use the buildings many learning centres leave behind, and other factors.

“We have reached out to partners, including Indigenous and local community governments, and offered one-on-one discussions centred specifically around the facilities in their communities and focused on their needs,” Cleveland said.

“I have also heard from partners who have a direct interest in seeing these facilities continue to deliver programs and services that support adult learners.”

Aurora College had argued too few people used its community learning centres and it could save money by instead delivering its Adult Literacy and Basic Education upgrading program online or at its three main campuses.

Cleveland, however, said she had “heard loud and clear from Indigenous governments, communities, non-profit organizations and my colleagues in this House that hands-on community-based learning is essential.”

She said the GNWT now has “an incredible opportunity to collaborate with Indigenous governments and community partners” on what comes next.

“Alongside the steps Aurora College has taken to extend the reach of Adult Literacy and Basic Education, I see this as an opportunity to ensure the vision and voice of communities are captured as we reshape the way adult learning is delivered in the NWT.”

So far, the money available to carry out any replacement for the centres on the GNWT’s watch is unclear. Whether or not the territory can claw back some money from Aurora College following the college’s decision to close the centres has been the subject of some controversy.

Exactly what will be in place at the college for the new academic year is also unclear. Angela James, the college’s president, was not made available for interview.

“A commitment was made to develop a critical path and timeline toward ensuring residents have access to quality programs that enhance education and employment opportunities going forward,” the minister concluded.

“Building from the steps I have highlighted, I look forward to sharing further details with my colleagues prior to the end of this sitting.”

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