The YK1 School District will soon be receiving critical student support funding from the GNWT.

The funding is being made available through the GNWT’s Interim Support Assistants Initiative, and will be used throughout the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. The money will go towards making sure that children receive the support they need to succeed.

Once the money is available, the YK1 District will also be recalling education assistants who were unable to be hired back in June. The District is hoping to have these assistants hired as soon as possible.

Commenting on this announcement, chairperson Barbara Bell stated “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank our district staff for their hard work in navigating the impacts of the loss of Jordan’s Principle funding. We also extend our appreciation to the Government of the Northwest Territories for providing interim support as a short-term solution.

“While this funding offers some immediate relief, long-term, sustainable solutions are what students and staff truly need. The Board will continue to advocate to both the Territorial and Federal governments for lasting, coordinated approaches that ensure consistent and equitable support in all of our schools.”

The Superintendent of YK1, Shirley Zoubloules, said that YK1 is thankful for the assistance, which will provide much-needed relief for staff, as well as students.

“Educational assistants play an important role in fostering student learning, connection, and well-being, and this funding allows us to move quickly to fill these important roles.”

This funding will be available until June of 2026. Afterwards, YK1 will advocate for more sustainable solutions for student support.