SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Northwest Territories Educators' Conference

Honourable senators, last week, while still cheering on Team Canada, I had the opportunity to travel to Yellowknife to speak to educators for the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association conference, rescheduled from the pandemic days three years ago.

It was a very informative four days. Anytime we have a chance to listen and learn from different corners of our country is a good day.

The sessions for the almost 1,000 educators in attendance were a powerful opportunity to learn about the issues, the priorities and the vulnerabilities of the Northwest Territories. Some of the topics included engaging the next generation of youth in treaty negotiation, done through an innovative Treaty Simulation program; supporting trans and binary students; the use of rapidly evolving technology in the classroom, with an emphasis on how to approach generative AI and the usefulness of virtual learning in northern communities; really innovative STEM strategies; empowering students through climate education with a unique northern approach; and using the land as story: connecting to the land through literature and literacy.

The opening speaker, the Storyteller-in-Residence at the University of Victoria, Richard Van Camp, was a highlight for me and many in attendance. He spoke to generational trauma, residential schools and the diversity of learners in northern schools. He addressed his short film entitled Three Feathers. This dramatic feature film is based on his novel and was set and filmed in the Northwest Territories and is the only known film in the world produced in four languages simultaneously: English, Cree, Chipewyan and South Slavey.

Dr. Astrid Kendrick from the University of Calgary spoke to compassion, fatigue and burnout, something to think about. It was very interesting, particularly post-COVID. She asked us three questions, which I pose to senators and staff today: What are three emotions you openly display while at the Senate? What are three emotions you hide or regulate when at the Senate? Why do you either show or hide these emotions? I think it is some food for our thought.

Outside it was a deep freeze with daily temperatures of -56 degrees. However, we did manage to cross-country ski and snowshoe on Great Slave Lake, climb the famous Pilot’s Monument, drive those cool ice roads and see some incredible work being done building snow castles — wood frames and all — which were being built for a festival beginning in March.

An unexpected bonus for me was an informal meeting with the Canadian Armed Forces leaders who were “in the neighbourhood” as they conducted significant high-readiness winter training, officially called Op NA-NU 26, focusing on Arctic sovereignty and northern defence. I also saw the newly minted tactical unit just received by the local RCMP — so new that although they can open and close it, they are waiting for training to be able to actually use it.

As many of you know, there is so much happening in the North, and I will always jump at the opportunity to travel and learn there.

Thank you to Trent, Marnie, Loralea and the team for organizing the trip, and for letting me be a part of this informative week.

Thank you, meegwetch.