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In 1991, the Coalition for Yukon Literacy was formed, including literacy
organizations, community representatives, Yukon College, and the Department
of Education's Advanced Education Division. The Coalition will assist
in the development of the Yukon Literacy Strategy, a component of the
Yukon Training Strategy. The government plans an increase in funding
to literacy.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories comprise one-third of Canada's land base
but are sparsely populated. Aboriginal people — Dene, Métis and
Inuit — make up 62% of the population, and among them 72% have
fewer than nine years of schooling. Aboriginal school drop-out rates
continue to be as high as 80%, and are a subject of continuing discussion.
Traditional economic pursuits are still common, and in many communities
there is a limited availability of wage-paying employment. Literacy
activity there must be understood in the context of territorial efforts
to promote both education, and community participation in and control
over it, at all levels. Literacy programming relates to the survival
of cultures and languages, land claims settlements and the assumption
of political control by aboriginal peoples, and economic and community
development.
There have been "community adult educators" (originally
Department of Education staff, Arctic College staff since 1988) working
across the spectrum of education and training since 1967. Literacy came
to be paid distinct attention only in the 1980s. A legislative report
of 1982,128 influential in promoting both Arctic College
and community control of education, called for programs for people "who
wish to improve their high school qualifications up to grade 10."
A 1988 Literacy Strategy, which appeared simultaneously with an Employment
Development Strategy,129 called more specifically for "literacy/life
skills initiatives for adults who were not successful in the school
system or did not have the opportunity to go to school." It
said, "All NWT residents have a right to access educational and
training programs." A year later, a legislative report130 declared
that intensive literacy activity in every community should be a number
one priority.
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