News Release: Cape Dorset District Education Authority (DEA) ‘The members of the DEA were shocked to hear that one of our teachers had been accused of disciplining a student for speaking Inuktitut in the classroom. We were equally shocked with the implication by MLA Joanasie that the DEA, our school or even a teacher has a policy to stop students from speaking Inuktitut or to discipline students for speaking Inuktitut. Considering how these policies in Nunavut are developed, implemented, and closely monitored, the idea that such a policy could be in place is absurd. ‘The Nunavut Education ACT states Believing that bilingual education can contribute to the preservation, use and promotion of Inuit language and culture and provide students with multiple opportunities; District Education Authorities across Nunavut have significant responsibilities under the Education Act including setting ‘school policies on student behavior, attendance, and discipline. District Education Authorities develop these in collaboration with school administrators, students and parents, school superintendents, and the Department of Education. These policies are copied to the Education Minister for review prior to implementation. ‘The DEA would like to assure all students, parents and guardians, and all residents of Cape Dorset, all of Nunavut and beyond, that current school policies have been developed in accordance with the requirements ‘of the Education Act, and that there are no such policies or any practice of disciplining students for speaking Inuktitut in our schools. ‘The DEA members are equally shocked and discouraged that our MLA, David Joanasie, chose to announce this in the Legislature and to the Nation without any prior communications with the school administration or our office. The Education Act, as well as approved Nunavut Schoo! Administration manuals developed by the Department of Education, has a clear and specific protocols and procedures that are there for everyone to follow. The DEA would very much like to hear from the MLA and the Minister why these protocols were ignored. ‘That these allegations were brought forth in the Legislature and to the public without our knowledge brings to light the continuing gaps in communications protocols and procedures. The DEA has been working hard on bridging these gaps for over a year in close consultation with MLA Joanasie. That the MLA, who is fully aware of everyone's efforts to solve these problems, could completely bypass the DEA, is quite disheartening and counterproductive. Had this alleged incident gone through proper protocols, we could have, and most certainly would have, taken immediate action to thoroughly investigate this and provide the necessary direction for remediation without delay, and in the event that we could not resolve it we would have then brought it before the Minister in a more appropriate manner. ‘The DEA, as well as the schools Administrators and Staff, have been working nonstop and volunteering a tremendous amount of time over the past year, to assist the students and parents, and wider community, with healing from the trauma and desolation that we have all been living with, caused by the loss of our only High School (Peter Pitseolak). Still, we are here to serve, and so with increased resolve we remain committed to building this bridge that will one day, see all stakeholders working together to provide a high-quality of education for our youth, that is culturally relevant, | helps them develop a desire for lifelong learning, and gives them hope for their futures. After all, we are talking about our future Doctors, Scientists, Astronauts, Teachers... and Leaders of Nunavut. Euoosik. OMAK IE Gan Le Arsipy” A Adfate Ber C-—_— 4 Fae hegadeAgeddoe AYNCDY*: PMAS Actod2cntd to PMLAS Acta dents tt Wdotber>e INGE Actor dNvAE AcE % AChE bY>J DP LPP dI%*o'bord>> ADb?PPNNO, Actedecac® Leb Leof AcPtor Kava®NCPeon atfe® Lelse®e A> Acted acdeCI® MybrdParNe, Acta dnd ICPo*e PRBNLBCEAN MeAT Ababy*Ne, Acro dNe arbres, ActeWenr®iddes dls Lélde. Cdde Lele do AYA®CPLE dA o DeNiro Pow? 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