Blog

Inclusion makes people feel like they belong. Having a sense of belonging means people feel accepted and supported. This can help people understand each other better, and that helps build respect. All of these positive feelings can make people happier and healthier. The NorthWest Company is setting a positive example of inclusion in their northern grocery stores. They are translating the names… Read more.

My job at the NWT Literacy Council is to set up informal literacy programs for Permanent Residents (newcomers to Canada). I was inspired by my recent tour of programs for Permanent Residents in Calgary and Edmonton. There was something for people of all ages and interests. Programs include employment programs, after school programs, seniors’ coffee times, parenting programs, conversation circles… Read more.

“What are essential skills?” That’s how a recent training session for NWT Literacy Council staff members began. The answer turns out to be much more complex than any of us thought. Pat Salt is a Calgary consultant. She challenged us to consider definitions that go beyond the Government of Canada's definition of essential skills. The Government of Canada defines essential skills as "the skills… Read more.

There has been a great deal of research in recent years into how the brain develops.  We know that healthy development in the early years provides the building blocks for kids to succeed in school and at work, and leads to better community health and wellness. We also know that the brain starts with simple circuits that develop into more complex circuits with age and experience. The genes we get… Read more.

You wouldn’t think an on-the-land program — especially one promoting Dene ways of life  — would involve packing a suitcase full of iPads and digital cameras. But that’s the way it’s been for the first two Dene Ts'ı̨lı̨ (Dene Way of Life) School sessions in the Sahtú region. Last February, and again this fall, the on-the-land school featured digital storytelling, facilitated by Jessie Curell, of… Read more.

Kim Barthel delivered a fascinating workshop last week on trauma-informed practice that could impact the work of everyone who attended, including the six of us from the NWT Literacy Council. We learned about how a person’s history can impact the DNA and behaviour of future generations, and how relationships are key to a learner’s success. Probably more than one workshop participant wishes they… Read more.

Calling all children from the ages of 0 - 6! Help us celebrate Halloween. Drop in for our 3rd Annual Trick or Treat Book Give-Away at the NWT Literacy Council office from 9 am-6 pm on October 31.  If you don't live in Yellowknife or cannot make it into the office you can participate by posting a picture of your costumed child on our Facebook page, Twitter account, or by emailing one to… Read more.

Thanks to our guest blogger, Megan Clark, the public services librarian at the Yellowknife Public Library. October is Canadian Library Month and every year a different theme is chosen. This year’s theme is: A Visit Will Get You Thinking. The Yellowknife Public Library is such a lively and exciting place that my work day includes an abundance of thoughts about libraries. Today I highlight just… Read more.

Look for us at a Healthy Living Fair in your community this winter. We’ll be at the table with the homemade play dough! The Government of the NWT’s Department of Health and Social Services sponsors the fairs and we’re grateful that they invite us. Being a part of the fairs gives us a chance to meet with people we don’t normally have a chance to connect with, check in with our literacy partners… Read more.

International Plain Language Day is October 13 and the theme this year is: Improving Customer Relations. Clear, everyday words, and as few of them as possible, can help business, governments, and agencies improve relations with their clients, customers, supporters, and the people they serve. International Plain Language Day encourages people to think about how they can communicate more clearly… Read more.