Fort Simpson (Mar 20/98) - Though it doesn't happen often in the 1990s, visiting cabinet ministers still occasionally bring good news.

The GNWT's Education, Culture and Training Minister, Charles Dent, did just that last Friday on a visit to meet with the Dehcho Divisional Education Council.

"We have $250,000 to address (school) concerns in Kakisa," Dent told the board. "We're moving to replace the school facility in that community."

It is hoped that construction will be under way this summer.

Kakisa board representative Julian Landry was pleased with the news. In both a letter and in person, Landry had told the minister of the challenges faced in his community because of the current school structure and residence for the teacher.

"It's going to be hard for someone to come (and teach in Kakisa and the other small communities) if there is no where for them to stay," Landry said.

The issue of the residence still has to be examined, the minister said.

Dent, who said he was pleased to be finally meeting face to face with Deh Cho education leaders, also faced a variety of other questions during his visit.

Board chair Doug Robertson, of Fort Simpson, raised the concern that French-language programming in his village is facing possible elimination next year because of a lack of government funding.

"We're probably the only community in the division where this is an issue," he told Dent. "(We have) 78 kids taking French (and) our funding next year for French training is about $8,000... What kind of teacher and program are you going to get for $8,000."

Dent expressed his sympathy and assured the board that both he and the GNWT would continue to lobby Ottawa for funds for French programs in the NWT.

Village of Fort Simpson Mayor Norm Prevost was also on hand to raise a number of concerns. These included a 1995 study by the board that the mayor says hasn't been acted upon; how local school boards are made up, and, the mayor told board members that they should attend village council and other meetings in order to keep informed.