Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut "Fundamental Change to Adult Learning in Nunavut: Development of the Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy and Integration of PLAR"

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut The current adult education and learning environment in Nunavut is one which was inherited from the federal government, residential schools, and the former Northwest Territories. High school education up to grade 12 was only introduced to the communities beginning in Adult learners fall into a broad spectrum from those who were not able to attend high school or participate in adult learning and literacy initiatives, to those who require specific courses to enter post-secondary programs in southern Canada.

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut There has been no mechanism to allow for PLAR, even though a multitude of individuals have years of applicable experience in many fields. The Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy is the first attempt to place a Nunavut stamp on the adult learning needs of Nunavummiut, and to create a plan to deal with generations of learners who have not been able to obtain training, recognition or employment.

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut A working group jointly chaired by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the GN has completed a working draft of the strategy. The working group has drawn together an overarching vision and direction for adult learning initiatives for the next 20 years.

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut Vision: We envision a territory where learning and training build a Nunavut-based capacity, providing Nunavummiut with opportunities to effectively engage in the cultural, social and economic development of our territory. Nunavut will become a place in which our common goals are achieve through collaboration, cooperation and investment in our human resources.

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut The Strategy is also anchored to nine guiding principles which are based on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and the Pinasuaqtavut, the territory’s development framework which focuses on: -Healthy Communities -Simplicity and Unity -Self-reliance -Continuing Learning

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut Within this overarching strategy will be a series of coordinated sub-strategies to reflect the needs of various sectors of the Nunavut economy. In all there are 28 specific strategies and over 120 actions being recommended. When implemented, this will result in a fundamental shift in adult learning.

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut The Strategy moves away from a “supply side” approach to programs to one which is centred on the needs of the adult learner: -Literacy, Life Skill and Academic Learners -Civic Participation Learners -Inuit Qaujimaningit Learners -Trades/Employment Specific Learners -Professional Programs

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut The Learning Strategy highlights 7 key themes: - Engaging the Adult Learner -Success of the Adult Learner -Accessibility -Quality Assurance -Coordination of Learning and Support Systems -Program Funding and Funding Requirements -Accountability

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut A sub-strategy is being the developed for integrating PLAR within K-12 and adult programming, career development and which is tied to national initiatives such as Gateways. Currently examining models of community delivery to link career planning and career development programs with PLAR, ABE, Literacy, etc.

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut The Learning Strategy has also been linked: The National Aboriginal Roundtables and upcoming First Ministers Meeting. To activities of the Council of the Federation. To the renegotiation of the implementation of the NLCA, and Article 23 in particular. To Nunavut Economic Development Strategy

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut Activities underway as part of process: PLAR framework for Nunavut Development of a Community Skills Inventory System with PLAR module Development of Culturally Appropriate models for distance education.

Gateways Advisory Meeting Presentation, September 22, Government of Nunavut Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy Contact: Bruce Rigby Senior Advisor, Adult Learning