Aurora College and the Government of the Northwest Territories have shared the college’s new mandate agreement, which prioritizes the institution’s transformation into a polytechnic university in 2027. Aurora states that the new identity will enable it to create more opportunities for students, strengthen the workforce, and drive economic growth. The Dene Nation issued a response to the new agreement and the recent announcement that Aurora will close its community centres. In the statement, Dene National Chief George Mackenzie emphasized the importance of consulting with Indigenous communities about the territory’s educational future and pointed out how some recent changes have overlooked the needs of Indigenous students. “While the agreement aims to enhance educational opportunities and economic growth, it inadequately involves Dene communities in the decision-making process,” said Mackenzie.
