Kyla Kakfwi Scott

Bio

Kyla Kakfwi Scott believes in the importance of culture and the value of all forms of knowledge. The child of an aboriginal and non-aboriginal parent, it has been her constant goal to achieve balance between her two cultures, to learn as much as possible, and to carry that knowledge proudly. Kyla sees a need to increase opportunities for dialogue and cultural understanding in order to live respectfully amongst each other. To that end, she has worked since 2009 as the Program Manager for Dechinta: Bush University & Centre for Research and Learning. This land-based, university accredited program covers critical Northern issues, from a Northern perspective, taught by elders and academic experts.

Kyla was born and raised in Denendeh. She has travelled extensively throughout Northern and Southern Canada with her parents; former NWT Premier Stephen Kakfwi, and Commissioner Marie Wilson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Kyla attended the Pearson Seminar on Youth Leadership at Lester B. Pearson College and studied Media, Information and Technoculture at The University of Western Ontario. Since returning to Denendeh, Kyla has served on the Design Team of Back to the Future 2002, a national symposium re-visioning the North for the 21st century, and as one of the organizers of Crossroads: A Cross-Cultural Women’s Sharing Circle. She has fifteen years of customer service experience and managed a local business prior to joining the Dechinta team. She currently resides in Yellowknife with her husband and their two daughters.

Community

Kyla has lived most of her life in Yellowknife. Her father’s family is from Fort Good Hope, and Kyla lived there as an infant and returned often as a child. Her mother was born and raised in southwestern Ontario. Kyla chose to attend The University of Western Ontario to be closer to that side of her family. She credits this time spent living away from the North for her appreciation of the importance of being surrounded by family, Dene culture, and the beautiful land she calls home.

Issue of Investigation

In the NWT there lacks a standardized system to evaluate program and student success in instances where cultural practices or local history are integrated into the education system. Kyla intends to consult with elders, community leaders and educators throughout the NWT, to determine the traditional knowledge, values and skills that are considered essential for inclusion in the educational system. Evaluation protocols must be developed, including practical, written, and oral examination, to ensure that traditional and cultural knowledge is evaluated in a manner keeping with its practical applications. Kyla would like to learn more about all of the programs already in place, and where possible develop policy to streamline delivery so that students throughout the North are able to make seamless transitions, from home to school to postsecondary and eventual employment, without having to sacrifice their culture or academic standing.