Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we all need an elder in our lives. Sounds like we need one in here. With that in mind, Mr. Speaker, the elders in school program was started in 2013. Can the Minister say how many schools across the territory currently employ an elder for this program? Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have a specific number for that program, but we have multiple programs across the territory that create space for elders within our school system. The Member is absolutely right, the power of elders is absolutely undeniable and one that we have the privilege of experiencing in this House. Some of the programs that I'd be happy to talk more about are the elders for Indigenous languages programs, our school-based mental health and wellness program, our community focus from the Indigenous languages secretariat, as well as our school food program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I understand there is an elder in the classroom, in-classroom component. Can the Minister explain whether the elders are teaching as part of this program and how the program works. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, absolutely, elders are always teaching when they are anywhere in our communities. A lot of the programs centre around language revitalization and on the land experiences and cultural experiences for students across the Northwest Territories. And even when elders are in a health and wellness role within the school, they're still teaching at that point. So teaching is a key component in imparting knowledge and experience to our youth. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Final supplementary. Member from Monfwi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has been over a decade since this program was implemented. Can the Minister commit to a formal evaluation of the elders in school program and provide information to the House about its continued funding and any support needed for its further implementation. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to follow up with the department on that specific program. But over the years, additional programs have come into play that have a created more space for elders in schools. Our school food program is just new this year in 2025. The transition to the school-based mental health and wellness program where elders could be hired, that's brand new as of 2024. So some of these programs are actually quite recent. Thank you.
Thank you, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Oral questions. Member from Frame Lake.
