Author: Simon Whitehouse

Students in the second year of Aurora College’s Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Diploma program participated in an Indigenous Early Child Care Education Field School in New Zealand in February 2025.

The field school was part of a collaborative project with three colleges from British Columbia (North Island College, Coast Mountain College, and Northern Lights College). Each school sent four students and one instructor; staff and students from North Island College were also accompanied by two Elders.

During the trip, our students had the opportunity to learn and work alongside organizations and educational institutions that specialize in promoting Māori language, culture, and tikanga (customs) within the early childhood and education system.

“Our students had the chance to see a holistic practice in action, gaining a better understanding of the ELCC field across Canada and New Zealand, especially in terms of Indigeneity,” said Janine Rommel, Program Head of Early Childhood Development. “Working alongside these schools and cultural organizations opens the doors for educators and students alike to enrich both their own education, as well as their teaching skills.”

Students noted they were able to learn and explore further the ideas of integrating culture in early childhood learning, while in some cases also gaining pride and confidence in their own Indigenous culture and language and carrying this forward in their journeys as educators.

During the February 17-28 trip, the group did some work and learning with Te Rito Maioha, an organization that provides support for early childhood education and offers degree programs, as well as promoting Māori language, culture, and tikanga within the education system. They also spent time at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Whakatane Campus, a well-known tertiary institution that offers programs emphasizing Māori language, culture, and education, as well as attending the Te Matatini Kapa Haka National Bi-Annual Festival, a prestigious and highly celebrated Kapa Haka (traditional Māori performing arts) festival held in Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Aurora College’s School of Trades and Industrial Training partnered with the Native Women’s Association of the NWT to host its first WeldHER+ Workshop this April at Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. Five women from across the territory completed 54 hours of hands-on introductory training in welding and joining. WeldHER+ is part of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Foundation’s Women of Steel™ initiative, which encourages women to explore careers in welding and the skilled trades. Participants attended the Fort Smith workshop between April 7 and 17 to develop technical skills, earn online micro-credentials, enhance employability, and become eligible for job placements — all at no cost. The Native Women’s Association sponsored travel, while Aurora College and CWB covered training costs.

“This was a perfect chance for women in the North to try welding and see if it’s a career they might enjoy,” said Duane MacDonald, Chair of the School of Trades and Industrial Training. “It was a real hit.”

MacDonald noted the college has worked closely with CWB for several years and welcomed the opportunity to bring this program north as a way to raise awareness about trades training. Participants this year came from Fort McPherson, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Kakisa.

Planning is already underway for next year’s workshop, with hopes of welcoming participants from every region of the NWT.