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'Bad move': Leaders disappointed by N.W.T. community learning centre closures

Lutsel K’e Chief James Marlowe says the shuttering of Aurora College facilities is 'a violation' of treaty rights
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Aurora College's community learning centre in Fort Providence. This facility is one of 19 in the NWT slated to close as of June 30. Photo courtesy of Aurora College

On Jan. 23, Aurora College announced plans to close its 19 community learning centres, which are located in communities across the territory.

The college attributed the decision to "ongoing issues of low enrolment" and stated that the decision was unanimous among its board of directors. However, leaders in the communities that are losing learning centres are not happy with the plan. 

Tom Beaulieu, senior administrative officer in Fort Resolution and a former MLA and cabinet minister, called it "a bad move" on behalf of the government, which has historically provided the bulk of the college's funding — to the tune of $32.9 million in 2024-25.

"The communities have so little in as far as work, and the few people that have the skills to work in an office environment are in high demand," said Beaulieu. "I think the government should have re-examined [the college's] programs rather than closing their doors."

Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation (LKDFN) Chief James Marlowe shared a similar perspective on the closure of the college's learning centres, calling the decision "a bad move."

"Education and learning is a very important tool for the future and people's future," he said. "When they go and learn and obtain an education, it sets them up for life with specific training. I think what is happening with the closures of the learning centres in the small communities is — I'd say it's not a good thing because each and every one needs an education so that they can participate in life with their education. It's very important.

"It's a shame that this has to happen."

Marlowe contends there was "no communication or consultation" from the college with respect to the closure of its learning centre in Lutsel K'e. He believes other options might have existed had the college been more collaborative. 

"There's absolutely no communication with the leadership of Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation," he said. "I understand the purpose and the reasons behind this decision, but we should have been consulted. Maybe we could have an answer as to how to solve this question or the situation in the community.

"Education is a treaty right. Do we have a right to education? For the government of this territory or the Aurora College board of directors to shut it down is a violation, I think."

The NWT Literacy Council, a non-profit that that promotes literacy in all the official languages of the NWT, was also among those to protest the college's decision to shutter its community learning centres.

In a Jan. 24 news release, the council's executive director Kathryn Barry Paddock called the move a "shock." 

“This makes education less accessible to many NWT adult learners, particularly Indigenous people who are more likely to live in a small community and to have not graduated from secondary school,” she said. “We’re concerned about the adult learners who want to continue their learning journey in their own community. Moving to a regional centre is not an option for everyone for family or other reasons.”

Aurora College will continue to offer academic upgrading at its Yellowknife, Inuvik and Fort Smith campuses, as well as online. However, it is withdrawing from its partnership with Inclusion NWT, which is responsible for the Yellowknife Literacy Outreach Centre, and as of June 30, and stop offering literacy-level programming.

The NWT Literacy Council's Jan. 24 news release expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the new model, noting that online learning is not "a practical alternative for many adult learners, nor is moving to regional centres." 

Barry Paddock stated that she hopes to learn more about why Aurora College has decided to close its community learning centres, and how the college plans to "address the unique needs of adult learners from small NWT communities."

She is not the only person who is unwilling to let the college off the hook.

Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely said he does not intend to "sit idle" as the centres are shut down. Well over 30 people are expected to lose their jobs as the result of the community learning centre closures, and in a region like the Sahtu, where the surging cost of living has turned into a legitimate crisis, he sees that as a big problem.

"It's very disturbing to see nine Sahtu employees being laid off," he said. "We're the most impacted region in the Northwest Territories in terms of cost of living. To be burdened with cutbacks, that just defeats the purpose of staying here."

Some of the most ardent criticism of the plan to close Aurora College's community learning centres came from Dene National Chief George Mackenzie. He said the decision generated "significant concern among the Dene leaders," and that his people "are calling on leadership to address the issue." He also affirmed Marlowe's assertion the decision was "made without consulting the communities it affects."

"Community learning centres are more than just educational facilities; they are vital lifelines for adult education, skill development, and cultural preservation," Mackenzie said. "These centres play an essential role in maintaining Dene languages and traditions, providing a space where individuals can stay connected to their land and culture within their home communities. The closure of these centres would not only worsen educational disparities but also increase dropout rates and limit opportunities for further education and employment.

"We already see many social impacts because there are limited opportunities for our people in small communities... We have to speak up for those trying their best to change their future and have enough support in their home communities/regions to achieve those life skill milestones. Closing these adult learning program spaces is disturbing.

"Young families, individuals overcoming addictions, and those in challenging life circumstances rely heavily on the support and opportunities these centres provide. The decision to close them without consultation of people they impact most disregards the unique needs of Dene communities and risks further marginalizing vulnerable populations. No one asked the Dene what we can do to support relevant program development, recruitment, student retention or ideas to fund or partner, or create a space for Dene-led solutions."

Mackenzie concluded by imploring other leaders that it is their collective responsibility "to question why the Aurora College board and the Government of the Northwest Territories have not engaged with the communities they serve."



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