FOR RELEASE
September 30, 2016

WHITEHORSE—Minister of Education Doug Graham and Carcross/Tagish First Nation Khà Shâde Héni Andy Carvill signed a new four-year education agreement today in Whitehorse.

“We have worked closely with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation to develop a framework for improving the learning outcomes of all students in their Traditional Territory,” Graham said. “We are proud to now have education agreements in place with six Yukon First Nations and will continue to work with Yukon First Nations to support the success of all learners.”

The new education agreement outlines joint communication and participation on curriculum development, school programming and staffing on Carcross/Tagish First Nation Traditional Territory. Priorities identified in the agreement include: land-based and experiential learning opportunities, a greater focus on Tlingit and Tagish language, and culture and student achievement. The agreement will also increase the number of pathways to graduation through the development of an Independent Learning Centre program for local students who have stopped attending school.

“Our people have asked for this education agreement for many years,” Carvill said. “We all look forward to working on the implementation of this government-to-government agreement for the betterment of Yukon and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation.”

The next step following this agreement will be the development of a three-year implementation plan, to be in place by February 28, 2017. The plan will set out timelines and measurable objectives and identify the financial and human resources both governments will contribute to deliver on the priorities of the agreement.

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See photo.

Contact:

Michael Edwards
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7910
michael.edwards@gov.yk.ca

Jason Mackey
Communications, Education
867-332-7008
jason.mackey@gov.yk.ca

Daphne Vernier
Communications, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
867-821-4251 ext. 8235
daphne.vernier@ctfn.ca