Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Nov 02/01) - To the casual observer, last week's family literacy conference may have seemed to stray from reading and writing lessons.

How do topics such as discipline, nutrition, time management, safety and self-esteem relate to literacy?

Lisa Campbell, community development facilitator for the NWT Literacy Council, explained that the content was one thing, the presentation was another. For each topic, delegates were asked to write down ideas and to make presentations, both of which are components of literacy, Campbell said.

"As a council, we believe that everything ties into literacy," she said. "We really believe that parenting and literacy go hand in hand."

There were some themes that tie in directly with literacy such as 1-2-3 Rhyme with Me, books in the home and storytelling. Delegates were also introduced to story sacks, which contain a book with related props and learning activities like a memory game.

The conference also addressed ways in which traditional lifestyles and modern practices can be blended to aid in learning.

It's hoped the dozen delegates from several Deh Cho towns can now act as facilitators in their respective communities, Campbell said.

Vicky Marcellais, a mother of twins who works at a restaurant in Fort Providence, said the conference did help her understand how to put her own workshop together.

Lorraine Vital said that she too has a better idea of how to be a good facilitator.

A Nahanni Butte band councillor and secretary for the district education authority, Vital said the personal nature of some of the workshops didn't make her feel inhibited.

"After you hear other people talk and they share with the group, it's OK," she said.