The new cyber newspaper has been developed by the NWT Literacy Council with funding through the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The first edition of the paper, that has been developed as a pilot project, includes articles on active living and grizzly bear research.

"We wanted it to be Northern-based and reflect the North," said Donna Mulders, project co-ordinator.

Development of the site, which includes, comprehension quizzes, reading exercises, animation and audio began back in August.

"We wanted to provide a resource for adult literacy learners," said Mulders.

"This is a pilot to see if this is something they would be able to benefit from."

The greatest benefit of the Web site, according to Cate Sills, executive director of the NWT Literacy Council, is how far-reaching it is.

"It provides a broader access to a range of literacy activities regardless of where they are," she said.

"They don't necessarily need to be enrolled in a formal program."

Another unique aspect to the Web site is the option to access material in the Dogrib language.

The goal is to eventually provide the services in as many Northern languages as possible.

"This type of tool lends itself to aboriginal languages because you can hear it and see it," said Sills.

The goal is to expand the project next year and ideally produce three issues each year.

"I think it's got a lot of potential it's a way of really showcasing stuff about the North," said Sills.

Stephanie Mercredi is an adult learner with the Native Women's Association on the NWT who had an opportunity to test out the site.

"I thought it was good for a start. It was good we have both languages for stories," she said, but added, "I think they need it in more languages."

She said the site will be helpful and she liked the part that helped teach people how to understand how to pay their household bills.

"That would be good so it can tell me what goes where and why my bills are so high," she said.

The paper can be viewed by going to www.nwt.literacy.ca and clicking the Northern Edge link.