Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 26/05) - While high school graduation rates reached an all-time in the Northwest Territories in 2005, education officials concede the government must bolster those numbers.

"We must continue to be aggressive with our support to schools," Education minister Charles Dent said Friday, after he released the latest statistics.

More than 340 students graduated from territorial schools last year, 50 more than in 2004. The overall rate was a record 51 per cent, although that number still lags far behind the national average of 75 per cent.

The greatest strides were made in the smaller communities which produced 107 graduates in 2005, nearly double the number from the previous year, Dent said.

"Actions that have been taken to enhance community-based education activities are resulting in more students accessing high school programs and completing their studies," he said.

The last school year also saw aboriginal students comprise 49 per cent of the graduates - a 19 point jump from 2000. "This was a banner year," Dent said.