Aurora College

Search

Category: News

Aurora College to investigate possible Indigenous Business Centre of Excellence

Posted on by

July 18, 2022

Aurora College to investigate possible Indigenous Business Centre of Excellence

Yellowknife, NT – The Future Skills Centre is providing Aurora College with $285,000 to undertake a feasibility study to look at establishing an Indigenous Centre of Excellence (ICBE).

The study will look at other Canadian and Indigenous business centre models and will include a scan of current Indigenous businesses, the needs, opportunities and gaps in the NWT’s 33 communities.

Aurora College plans to engage with Indigenous governments, Indigenous corporate entities, northern industry organizations and other key stakeholders in a variety of ways.

An Indigenous Centre for Business Excellence could help Indigenous entrepreneurs with business start-up or expansion, partnerships and planning; help ensure Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to business support and advice; and provide support and advice about small business development and joint venture developments. It might also assist with developing core skills for Indigenous businesses to succeed, such as governance, risk management, financial management and best practices.

The Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre is supporting this initiative as part of its skills innovation in northern Canada, and is an example of the types of private and public co-investment partnerships that will support the transformation of Aurora College into a polytechnic university, as well as support the new polytechnic’s long-term growth and development.

Quotes:

“Supporting the growth and sustainability of northern, Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses will be a priority of the new polytechnic university. A vibrant, healthy northern economy and labour market will provide employment and leadership opportunities for the polytechnic’s graduates, as well as the potential for related research and innovation.”

– Dr. Glenda VardyDell, President, Aurora College

“We need to ensure that everyone has the skills and opportunities to contribute and thrive in the future economy. Indigenous entrepreneurs and professionals play a key role in our workforce, and this initiative lays important groundwork for further skills innovation and opportunity.”

– Pedro Barata, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre.

— 30 —

Aurora College delivers academic upgrading, trades and industrial training, certificate, diploma and degree programs to more than 3,000 full and part-time students at three campuses, 21 Community Learning Centres and other community sites in the Northwest Territories. Community-centred post-secondary programs reflect Northern culture and the needs of the Northern labour market. Aurora College’s research division, Aurora Research Institute, conducts, supports, and licenses research in the NWT. Research centres are located in in Inuvik, Yellowknife and Fort Smith.

For more information, please contact:

Jayne Murray                                                                           

Manager, Communications & College Relations 

Aurora College                                                             

Phone: 867-872-7021                                                   

Email: jmurray@auroracollege.nt.ca       

Hotıì ts’eeda-Aurora College announce 2022 Edets’seèhdzà Studentship recipient

Posted on by

June 16, 2022

Hotıì ts’eeda-Aurora College announce 2022 Edets’seèhdzà Studentship recipient

YELLOWKNIFE, NT – The 2022 Edets’seèhdzà Studentship is being awarded to second-year Aurora College Early Learning and Child Care student Sarah McGregor. The Edets’seèhdzà Studentship is a $20,000 stipend that supports an Aurora College student to be involved in research during their studies.

The Edets’seèhdzà Studentship award is funded by Hotıì ts’eeda, and provided through a partnership between Hotıì ts’eeda and Aurora College/Aurora Research Institute. Hotıì ts’eeda is funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) and is a research support unit hosted by the Tłı̨chǫ Government. Edets’seèhdzà (eh-DEY-tsay-zah) means “stepping forward to challenge yourself” in the Tłı̨chǫ language. McGregor will be the fifth student supported through the Edets’seèhdzà Studentship since its launch in 2019, and the first recipient enroled in a program outside of the School of Health and Human Services. Past research areas for recipients have included traditional teachings, Northern-focused care and Indigenous health research.

Sarah has contributed to the Early Learning and Childcare Program through her community outreach with Bush Kids. She also coordinated a six-week program with the Yellowknife Playgroup Association along with another student. She has shown passion for this field of study.

McGregor will have the opportunity to be mentored by several researchers from different organizations while working on multiple research projects, including the Northern Oral Language and Writing through Play (NOW Play) partnership and the Children and Youth Seeking Tłı̨chǫ Cultural Identity in a Time of Change project. She will also work with Hotıì ts’eeda to learn about implementation of research results and evidence on Early Learning and Childhood at a policy level.

Hotıì ts’eeda and Aurora College congratulate Sarah McGregor and look forward to seeing her progress over the coming year.

For more information or to apply, visit nwtspor.ca/programs/edetsseehdza-studentship. 

Inquiries about the program can be directed to Andreanne Robitaille at arobitaille@auroracollege.nt.ca 

Aurora College signs national charter committed to equity, diversity, inclusion

Posted on by

May 26, 2022

Aurora College signs national charter committed to equity, diversity, inclusion

YELLOWKNIFE – Aurora College has become the first Northern post-secondary institution to endorse the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada (Dimensions) Charter, and joins more than 100 Canadian post-secondary institutions to support its goals.

The charter endorsement is part of the Dimensions pilot program, the goal of which is to foster increased research excellence, innovation and creativity within the post-secondary sector across all disciplines through greater equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

In signing the charter, Aurora College is publicly stating its commitment to embedding EDI principles in its policies, practices and action plans. Aurora College is now recognized nationally and internationally as a post-secondary academic community dedicated to promoting EDI principles.

EDI principles will be inherent in the transformation to a polytechnic university and will foster a culture of openness and respect to allow the College community, including students and staff, to be the best they can be in their respective roles.

The Dimensions pilot program is an initiative supported by the three federal research granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Signing the Dimensions Charter Endorsement is the most recent step in Aurora College’s work to increase EDI within the institution. In 2019 Aurora College received an NSERC grant to develop an internal EDI policy and process to address obstacles faced by, but not limited to, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups and members of LGBTQ2+ communities.

Since that time the College has developed and implemented a five-year strategic plan to advance EDI principles. This plan will enable the College to foster increased organizational, teaching, and research excellence, as well as innovation and creativity through greater equity, diversity and inclusion.

As part of the strategic plan, an EDI Steering Committee was formed in the spring of 2022. The committee, comprised of members from across the College, is actively working to champion and achieve the goals identified in the strategic plan, working to embed EDI principles into College policies and processes.

Quotes:

 “Creating a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion is not a linear process, requiring students, faculty, staff and community members to consciously advocate for safe learning and working spaces.”
–              Dr Kathie Pender, Co-chair – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Aurora College

“The establishment and active thought processes to create safe spaces is a tool that will create and preserve psychological safety for all Aurora College students and employees. This tool allows different voices to be heard, acknowledged and valued. Adopting this approach across the college reminds all of us that the expression of our honest impressions, thoughts and attitudes are acceptable without the fear of ridicule. 

–              Dr Glenda Vardy Dell, President, Aurora College

Social Work and Bachelor of Education program reviews complete

Posted on by

May 24, 2022

Documents available online:

Social Work and Bachelor of Education program reviews complete

FORT SMITH, NT – Aurora College announced today that the program reviews of the College’s Social Work and Bachelor of Education programs are complete and are available to the public online.

The program reviews contained a number of recommendations, the most important of which were that Aurora College should offer Social Work and Bachelor of Education programming.

In keeping with the reviews’ recommendations, the College is investigating both a two-year diploma and a four-year bachelor’s degree program in Social Work, as well as a four-year Bachelor of Education and a two-year post-graduate Bachelor of Education. Launch of the programs is pending funding approval and external quality assurance review.

It is anticipated that as soon as Fall 2023, Aurora College will begin engaging with students who will require upgrading to enter the Social Work and Bachelor of Education programs.

Prior to implementing the programs, national environmental scans of Social Work and Bachelor of Education programs will be completed to aid in developing full program proposals and plans to ensure the new offerings meet the needs of both Northern students and the Northern labour market.

To assist with that goal, the Social Work program will have multiple entry and exit points for students at different levels to choose the path that best suits them, with the diploma and degree options. In addition, Aurora College will work closely with high schools – student career advisors, guidance counsellors, teachers and students – to ensure students know what they need to do to meet entrance requirements.

The review process tasked evaluators with looking at the College’s Social Work and Bachelor of Education curricula with regards to its relevance and currency to today’s professional practices, employment opportunities in the NWT and connections to Northern peoples and Northern context. They were also asked to review the programs against national accreditation standards, and the leveling and sequencing of courses within the programs. As recommended by the external evaluators, Aurora College will seek accreditation for the Social Work programs through the National Indigenous Accreditation Board.

Evaluators also looked at the strengths of the programs, including the community-based experiences. Experiential learning and Indigenous content will continue to be purposefully woven into both programs. Aurora College’s planned Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council will have an active role in working with the team who will design the curriculum and subsequent programs.

The documents which make up the two program reviews can be accessed on the Aurora College website:

Quotes:

“There is a current, critical labour market need for qualified, Northern-educated and Indigenous social workers and teachers for both entry-level and supervisory-level positions in the NWT and across the North. The re-imagining of these two program areas will ensure that graduates are better prepared to meet the needs of Northern residents and the Northern labour market.”

–              Dr Glenda Vardy Dell, President, Aurora College

— 30 —

Aurora College delivers academic upgrading, trades and industrial training, certificate, diploma and degree programs to more than 3,000 full and part-time students at three campuses, 21 Community Learning Centres and other community sites in the Northwest Territories. Community-centred post-secondary programs reflect Northern culture and the needs of the Northern labour market. Aurora College’s research division, Aurora Research Institute, conducts, supports, and licenses research in the NWT. Research centres are located in Inuvik, Yellowknife and Fort Smith.

For more information, please contact:

Jayne Murray                                                                           

Manager, Communications & College Relations 

Aurora College                                                             

Phone: 867-872-7021                                                    

Email: jmurray@auroracollege.nt.ca       

Aurora College Receives $475,000 NSERC PromoScience Funding for Outreach

Posted on by

May 19, 2022

Aurora College receives $475,000 NSERC PromoScience funding for outreach

INUVIK, NT –Aurora College’s research division, the Aurora Research Institute (ARI), will be able to continue and expand its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) outreach programming to students, teachers and communities across the Northwest Territories thanks to a new $475,000 grant.

The three-year funding was announced today by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) as part of its PromoScience program, which supports organizations that promote STEM programming for youth, including hands-on learning experiences.

The funding will support the growth and continuity of the ARI STEM Outreach Program, which offers programming to 19 of the NWT’s 33 communities. The total cost of the outreach is expected to be $1.7 million over three years, including the $475,000 from PromoScience. The ARI STEM Outreach Program reaches 7,000 Northern youth and 150 Northern educators through 250 science promotion events every year. This program promotes the utilization of engaging and interactive activities.

Outreach is led by Annika Trimble in the Beaufort Delta, Hilary Turko in the South Slave and Chris Black in the Tłı̨chǫ region. The ARI STEM Outreach Program endeavours to foster scientific curiosity and engagement in NWT youth to encourage Northern students to pursue science-related studies and future employment.

— 30 —

Aurora Research Institute (ARI) is the research division of Aurora College. The mandate of ARI is to improve the quality of life for residents of the Northwest Territories by applying scientific, technological, and Indigenous knowledge to solve northern problems and advance social and economic goals. To achieve this mandate ARI conducts, supports, and licenses research throughout the NWT. ARI is headquartered in Inuvik, and has regional research centres in Inuvik, Fort Smith, and Yellowknife.

For more information, please contact:

Jayne Murray                                                                                              

Manager, Communications & College Relations  

Aurora College                                                                            

Phone: 867-872-7021                                                                

Email: jmurray@auroracollege.nt.ca

Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operator in Kátł’odeeche FN

Posted on by

This summer, Aurora College’s School of Trades, Apprenticeships and Industrial Training will be bringing its incredibly popular Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operator program to Kátł’odeeche First Nation. The course dates are June 27 through August 9, 2022.

This in-community delivery of the Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operator program will utilize a six day per week, 10 hours per day format to enable students to complete 100 hours of training on each of two selected pieces of equipment, along with 60 hours of classroom instruction within the five-week course.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early as space is limited.

***Priority will be given to Kátł’odeeche First Nation beneficiaries.***

Note: The Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operator Program is limited to Class 5 equipment only. For Class 1 and 3 training, students must attend either the 6-week Class 1 Training or the full Heavy Equipment Operator Program offered at Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith.


APPLY NOW FOR THE SUMMER TERM!

Program Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for all three heavy equipment operator programs are the same.
Applicants may be admitted into the Heavy Equipment Operator program based one of the
following pathways: academic pathway or experiential/mature student pathway.

Academic Pathway:

Applicants may be considered for admission who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older; and
  • Have been enrolled in English 10-2; and
  • Have been enrolled in Math 10C.

Applicants who have completed the Aurora College Occupations and College
Access Program (OCAP) and have successfully completed:

  • Aurora College English 130; and
  • Aurora College Math 130.

Equivalencies and other post-secondary education may be considered.

Experiential/Mature Student Pathway:
Applicants who are 20 years or older, have been out of school for at least one
year, and have relevant work/life experience in the heavy equipment operator
field may be considered for admission. Eligibility for the program may be
determined through an interview, an assessment of reading comprehension, a
review of the applicant’s resume, or other means.

Regardless of the pathway for admission, all applicants must:

  • Submit official transcripts from high school and/or post-secondary education, as
    applicable.
  • Possess a valid Class 5 Driver’s License prior to entry into the program. A
    probationary Class 5 Driver’s License is not acceptable. A restricted license may
    limit the applicant’s training equipment and licensing potential.
  • Submit a current driver’s license abstract (can be obtained from the GNWT
    Department of Transportation and Vehicle Licensing Office).

Depending on the applicant’s pathway, they may be requested to:

  • Submit a resume or other evidence of relevant work/life experience.
  • Participate in an interview.
  • Complete an assessment of reading comprehension.

Based on screening in the above areas, applicants may be advised that they are
“conditionally accepted”. If applicants are “conditionally accepted” into the program,
they may also be required to submit proof that they have passed a Class 3 or Class 1
GNWT Driver’s Medical Exam.

NOTE 1. Applicants are not required to obtain a medical for their initial application. After
screening, applicants who will be training on Class 1 or Class 3 equipment, will be advised
to pass a Class 1 or Class 3 Driver’s Medical in order to become fully accepted in the
program.

NOTE 2. For entry into the HEO program, either a Class 1 or Class 3 Driver’s Medical is
acceptable. The criteria for both medicals are similar, so it may be advantageous for a
student to get a Class 1 Driver’s Medical if they anticipate pursuing a Class 1 License in
the future.

 

For more information, please contact:

Christine Abela
867-874-3107
cabela@auroracollege.nt.ca

 

 

#We AnswerTheCall National Nursing Week 2022

Posted on by

YELLOWKNIFE, NT – During National Nursing Week, May 9-15, 2022, Aurora College is celebrating and recognizing our nursing students, faculty, graduates, community partners and all nursing professionals who have worked diligently to provide high quality care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The College’s current and recent graduates are entering their careers in unprecedented times. During their nursing education, they have taken on responsibilities supporting the territory’s pandemic response by assisting with COVID-19 screening, vaccinating for influenza and COVID-19, working as COVID-19 screeners at hospitals and primary health care facilities, supporting workers at various facilities, and providing support wherever requested within the health care system.

Aurora College is very fortunate to have a nursing faculty and staff who are dedicated and committed to not only their students, but to their chosen profession, and who lead by example, personifying the professionalism and qualities necessary to deliver high quality and compassionate client care.

The majority of Aurora College’s nursing graduates have remained in the North, and have consistently provided first-class care to their patients. Graduates are working in every hospital and in many health care centres, long-term care facilities, and in public, home and community care in the Northwest Territories.

Despite the stress and extra challenges of providing quality health care during a pandemic, the College’s partners have not wavered in their commitment to helping students become their best professional selves. Aurora College’s health programs could not provide the same level and quality of education without their continued support. These include preceptors (experienced nurses who serve as mentors and role models for students); the hospitals, health care facilities and long-term care facilities that provide practicum placements; the various professionals and Elders who share their wisdom through program advising, classroom teaching and on-the-land experiences. Aurora College continues to partner with the University of Victoria, which provides our nursing students with the opportunity to attain a baccalaureate degree in nursing while living in the NWT, using a quality curriculum.

This year’s theme was developed by the Canadian Nurses Association to showcase the many roles that nurses play in a client’s health-care journey. The pandemic brought to light the courage and commitment that nurses bring with them every day and to every situation, and showed the important role that nurses play in their communities.

ECE Minister R.J. Simpson announces appointment of new Aurora College president

Posted on by

From gov.nt.ca

Yellowknife — April 1, 2022

Minister R.J. Simpson today announced that Dr. Glenda Vardy Dell will be appointed president of Aurora College, effective April 4, 2022. 

Dr. Vardy Dell has been with Aurora College since 2019 and has served in the roles of senior advisor to the president/interim director of the Center for Teaching and Learning as well as vice president of Education and Training.  Dr. Vardy Dell brings a wealth of experience in the fields of health sciences and post secondary leadership to her new role.

The appointment of Dr. Vardy Dell to the role of president also marks a step towards the intended arms-length relationship between the Government of the Northwest Territories and Aurora College.  Dr. Vardy Dell will assume responsibility for the overall operations of the college, while the Aurora College Transformation initiative will continue to be led by the department of Education, Culture and Employment’s (ECE) Aurora College Transformation Team in partnership with Dr. Vardy Dell and the college.

Dr. Vardy Dell will be replacing Mr. Andy Bevan, who indicated his plans to retire earlier this year.

Mr. Bevan was named president of Aurora College and associate deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education Renewal with ECE in February 2020 and provided strong leadership through the first phase of transforming Aurora College to a polytechnic university.  His tenure has seen the development of a 3-Year Strategic Plan, the first ever 3-Year Academic Plan, and a 3-year Strategic Enrolment Management Plan to increase student success.  Thanks to Mr. Bevan’s guidance, the 2025 transformation remains on track and is well-positioned to take on the challenges of Phase 2: Transformational Change.

In addition to his role as president of Aurora College and associate deputy minister of Post-Secondary Education, Mr. Bevan also served as the assistant deputy minister of Labour and Income Security with ECE, and as acting deputy minister of the department of Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.

Administrator Denny Rodgers Announces President Andy Bevan’s Retirement

Posted on by

April 1, 2022

MEDIA STATEMENT

Aurora College Administrator, Denny Rodgers, released the following statement today.

“Aurora College President, Andy Bevan had advised me of his intention to retire earlier this year and today the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment announced his successor, Dr. Glenda Vardy Dell.

“I wish Andy and his family the very best as they embark on this new, exciting and hopefully restful chapter in their lives starting today.

“Andy Bevan took on the role of President of Aurora College two years ago and has guided it through the first phase of transformation and leaves the organization stronger and ready to undertake the next phase of transformational change. His contributions to the strengthening the foundation of Aurora College are greatly appreciated.

“Much of his leadership these past two years was managing the impact of COVID-19 and the challenges it presented. The College Team collectively changed how it teaches and how students learn with an incredible amount of innovation, dedication, compassion and imagination.

“Under his leadership, the College developed a three-year Strategic Plan, the first ever three-year Academic Plan, and a three-year Strategic Enrolment Management Plan was developed to increase student success. Transformation milestones included developing an Implementation Plan for Transformation and the Initial Areas of Teaching and Research Specialization for the polytechnic university and the passing of critical legislation providing for a tricameral governance model – the first of its kind in Canada. The transformation to a polytechnic university in 2025 remains on track.

I am confident that the College is well positioned to successfully continue along the transformation journey and with the same strong leadership team.

“I am pleased with today’s appointed of Dr. Glenda Vardy Dell as President of Aurora College and I welcome her to this new position.

“Dr. Vardy Dell has been working with Aurora College in many different capacities including Vice President, Education & Training, Senior Advisor to the President, and Director, Centre for Teaching and Learning.  At other post-secondary education institutions in Canada, she has held the positions of Dean, School of Health Sciences, and Associate Professor, and was the Executive Director of Nursing at Stanton Territorial Hospital. Dr. Vardy Dell’s knowledge of the North and post-secondary education is vast. 

PROOF OF VACCINATION, AND TESTING FOR NON-VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS NO LONGER REQUIRED BY AURORA COLLEGE

Posted on by

Based on the most recent public health directions from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer and the GNWT, Aurora College will not be implementing the planned COVID-19 Student and Volunteer Vaccination Policy. We will also no longer be implementing the GNWT employee and contractor COVID-19 Vaccination policy, as of March 1 2022.

As a result, requirements for proof of vaccination and for testing of those who are not vaccinated will no longer be required effective March 1, 2022.

Please note, however, that some programs have pre-existing vaccination requirements for practicums and work experiences, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nurse, Personal Support Worker, and Early Learning and Child Care programs. Please contact your Program Head or Senior Instructor if you have questions about vaccination requirements for practicums.

While some processes are being relaxed, mandatory masking will remain in place for the foreseeable future.  All Aurora College students, employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors will still be required to wear masks in all areas of College facilities and worksites. In compliance with Health Canada recommendations, Aurora College now requires the use of 3-layer non-medical masking as a minimum standard.  This includes 3-layer blue disposable or cloth masks or the five-layer N95 or KN95 masks available commercially.  The use of neck warmers or less than three layer masks is now unacceptable at Aurora College facilities. The masking requirement will remain in place until further notice.

The processes and rules we have in place make our facilities very safe. However, as individuals we must remain cautious, conduct our own risk assessments, and continue to engage in healthy practices by masking, following good hand hygiene and respiratory practices, and using physical distancing where appropriate. It is still possible for further COVID-19 cases to occur and taking simple proactive measures like the ones mentioned here will help keep the risks low.

We appreciate the cooperation and efforts of students, employees and volunteers to be compliant with our policies under the public health orders. Going forward Aurora College will continue to be responsive to any changes that may occur in order to maintain the health and safety of the College community and the communities we serve.

If you have concerns regarding your mental or physical health, please speak with your instructor about your situation. You can also connect with Student Services on your campus for additional supports or visit the Student Toolkit for a list of wellness resources in your campus community.

As always, our top priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our students, employees and communities. We thank you for your resiliency and your commitment to your studies.

Andy Bevan, President

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that Aurora College is situated on the traditional territories and homeland of the Dene, Inuvialuit, Métis and Cree peoples of the Northwest Territories. We are grateful to the many Indigenous peoples of the NWT for allowing us the opportunity to learn, work and live on their lands. We are also deeply grateful for the generous sharing of Indigenous Knowledge, wisdom and ways of knowing, being, doing and believing with our students and employees.

Copyright © 2026 Aurora College. All rights reserved.