For 40 years the Northern Teachers Education Program has trained teachers in northern Saskatchewan and this weekend the organization will celebrate that milestone.
On Friday and Saturday several teachers, students and others involved in the program over the years will come to La Ronge for NORTEP/NORPAC’s 40th anniversary.
Throughout the two-day event the history of the northern program will be on display, which is something Culture and Languages Coordinator Earl Cook says many people are unaware of.
“It’s more than just a teacher’s education program, it’s educational, economical and social development all at once,” said Cook.
The NORTEP program was formed in 1976 at a time when less then 1% of teachers in the north were Aboriginal and the turnover rate for teachers in the region was very high.
Initially the program was formed to offer courses to Native language instructors, but has grown to offer a four-year Bachelor of Education program.
Earl Cook says he can’t think of another milestone, so vital to northern education.
“The effects of the program will continue to be felt for years,” said Cook. “It’s had a tremendous impact across the north and it will maintain that legacy.”
The anniversary celebration is taking place at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre in La Ronge.
Cook also says the event will be an opportunity to discuss the future direction of the program specifically the possibility of an alumni association.