This book was developed to fill the need for a classroom-ready resource on the NWT Diamond Industry, for both students and teachers.
To be effective, the book had to integrate many aspects of the curriculum, have lots of photos, present information in a reader-friendly manner and be written in plain language.
What started out as a teacher’s small summer project on July 9, 2002, occupied a large portion of author’s time that summer, the entire summer of 2003 and all her spare moments until its launch on June 10, 2004.
The quality of the project is, no doubt, a reflection of the vast amount of support received from both industry and government. Throughout this project Meredith had the opportunity to work closely with a number of individuals. Mike Vaydik, Tom Hoefer, Denise Burlingame, Doug Ashbury and Cathie Bolstad were incredibly helpful and supportive.
The book’s list of Acknowledgments holds many names. Each person, business and organization listed helped to make the book what it is. All support and contributions were very much appreciated.
Northern Ink's project partners, NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, BHP Billiton Diamonds, Diavik Diamond Mines, De Beers Canada, Government of the Northwest Territories Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, GNWT RWED Diamonds Project, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, offered financial support as well as support with content, photos and editing.
These organizations, businesses, Government departments and their people were instrumental in helping to produce a quality product that will help to bring an understanding of this new industry into the schools and homes across the North, and all regions of Canada.
The support received for this project is a reflection of the ‘True Northern Spirit’, which is definitely is alive and well in the NWT. The results of these combined efforts pay tribute to the many possibilities and opportunities available in the North.
As a result of the support from both industry and government:
- Canadian schools and the general public now have access to comprehensive information about Canada’s newest industry.
- The book is presently provided at a significantly reduced cost to the public.
- Sales proceeds of $5000 for ‘seed money’ will help the NWT Literacy Council develop a program for NWT schools to encourage classroom writing and bookmaking.
Partner Recognition
WRITE On!™... In Celebration of NWT Student Authors
Proposed Project Overview
Thanks to local industry and government support for the publishing of ‘Canada's Northern Diamonds ...from rocks to riches’, written by local educator Gayla Meredith, a portion of sales proceeds has been donated to the NWT Literacy Council.
This $5,000 donation has established a fund for the development of a literacy initiative to encourage story writing and book making projects in classrooms across the NWT.
GOALS:
To encourage whole class or small group writing projects in K-6 classrooms across the NWT.
To provide students and teachers with the opportunity to combine their creative talents with northern content in an authentic learning environment.
To support, highlight, acknowledge, and celebrate the talents of northern student authors.
To publish one book from the submissions received.
OBJECTIVES:
Students will become motivated and engaged in the writing process.
Whole class or small group writing projects will focus on northern content.
Students will come to see themselves as authors.
The initiative will be a useful tool for NWT teachers and provide an authentic writing project with which to engage students in the writing process.
AUDIENCE:
Target publics from which to seek submissions:
NWT K-6 Teachers and Students
KEY MESSAGES:
Story writing is an important and valued aspect of Literacy.
Writing projects in NWT schools produce high quality products as a result of teacher and student creativity, persistence and dedication.
The production of high quality, student created material focused on northern content supports the development of student writing skills and contributes directly to reader enjoyment.
For further information visit the NWT Literacy Council website and check out the May 2005 issue of Literacy Matters: www.nwt.literacy.ca
