Historic Report on Aboriginal Education Delivers 11 Recommendations

Tuesday, February 26, 2008 09:16 PM

Prince George, B.C. - The Board of Education for School District 57 has received eleven recommendations from the Aboriginal Education Task Force.

One of the key recommendations calls for the appointment of a district principal of Aboriginal education. That will mean there will have to be a search to find the best qualified candidate, preferably a person of Aboriginal ancestry.

The recommendations address the feasibility of Aboriginal choice elementary and secondary programs a move Board Chair Lyn Hall knows may be very controversial.

Hall says the recommendations are wide ranging and far reaching, but they are meant to address the reality that Aboriginal students have lower academic achievement and graduation rates.

Here are the eleven recommendations:

1. Statement of Board Intent: That the Board of Education of School District 57 articulate a statement of intent with respect to Aboriginal education in the district. Such a statement would make it clear that the Board recognizes the importance of making the improvement of Aboriginal education a district wide priority

2. The Need for Board Policy: That the Board establish an Aboriginal education policy and attendant set of regulations and administrative procedures designed to fully explicate the philosophy, goals structures, strategies and outcomes for Aboriginal education.

3. The Aboriginal Education Board: That the Board, in cooperation with the Aboriginal education Board undertake a review of the goals, mandate, reporting relationships and membership requirements of the Aboriginal Education Board to make recommendations for aiding the AEB in becoming a stronger more effecting and more representative advocacy group for Aboriginal education.

4. District Principal of Education: Appoint a district principal responsible for Aboriginal education.

5. Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement: In consultation with the AEB and the greater Aboriginal community enter into a formal Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement. This agreement would clearly outline the plans for the improvement of academic and graduation rates among Aboriginal students.

6. Recruitment and Selection: That the Human resources department be directed to implement a strategic plan to recruit, select, hire and provide ongoing training for greater numbers of support staff, teachers and administrators of Aboriginal heritage.

7. Aboriginal Education Staff role Clarification: Clarifying roles and responsibilities will be of benefit to the support staff as well as to the teaching and administrative staff

8. Curricula, Instruction and Evaluation: Develop learning resources that best meet the needs of Aboriginal learners.

9. Special Education: Investigate what is perceived to be an over representation of Aboriginal students who have individual educational programs or English as a second Dialect programs.

10. Aboriginal Choice Elementary School: That the Board enter into immediate community consultation with the intent of designating an existing elementary school as an Aboriginal K-7 choice elementary school effective as early as September of 2008. ( the Board says such a school would not be segregated, it would be similar to other choice schools in the district, such as Montessori and French immersion schools where parents choose to send thief children)

11. Aboriginal Choice Secondary Program: that the Board immediately implement a feasibility study for the creation of an Aboriginal choice secondary program with a tentative opening date at September 2009. (The Board says a secondary program is more difficult to establish because of the higher numbers needed to provide the same course options for students as a large secondary school. The Board says such a feasibility study would take at least a year.)

"We have heard over and over that one way to improve educational opportunities for Aboriginal students is to establish a school or program that is built on a foundation of Aboriginal values, culture and ways of knowing" says Board Chair Lyn Hall, " We are not looking at a segregated program or a return to the sad legacy of residential schools. "

Hall says the intent is to work with the Aboriginal community "Our ideal is a program that meets the educational needs of Aboriginal children along with instilling pride in identity and the confidence that comes from belonging to something unique."

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Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 09:16 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: lostfaith on February 26 2008 9:45 PM

Here we go again

Posted by: Eagleone on February 26 2008 9:50 PM

This idea of aparthide education is very wrong IMO. Its divisions will create more problems than it solves. We already have highschool wars on the weekends between school groups, then throw race into the mix and it spells trouble for everyone.

I think we are all Canadians and our education system should work from that point of view. Creating divisions is not in their mandate.

Posted by: YamaDooPolCat on February 26 2008 10:22 PM

On the other hand, it helps the employeers identify who to give an interview to.

Anyone that sends in a resume with a graduation from an Aboriginal School, is someone that will need a babysitter on the job as well. If that's not what you need, well keep looking.

An Aboriginal School grad would be best placed in dead end government jobs, like social services or assistant pencil sharpener. Something where there is lots of support and lots of stress leave available.

Posted by: billposer on February 27 2008 2:34 AM

The Task Force report does NOT call for segregated schools. As the article very explicitly says, the proposed Aboriginal School would be open to all races. Can't you guys read?

Posted by: lostfaith on February 27 2008 8:04 AM

We already have a school system thats open to all races. Don't you get it?

Posted by: Outwest on February 27 2008 8:42 AM

What Year are we living in 1808 0r 2008
Basket weaving is out of time, only hard work will get you ahead.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 27 2008 9:12 AM

Actually billposer,yes,we CAN read.
Making exceptions because of race or ethnic group is wrong.
Very wrong, and as long as the government keeps doing that,NOTHING will improve in aboriginal education!
So what is the government actually saying with this platform?
-That natives are different than the rest of us?
-That they are not as smart as the rest of us?
-That they cannot learn at the same rate as the rest of us?
Who the hell ARE these people who keep dreaming up this crap?
This is a segregated education system plain and simple, no matter how we define it, and it will never work,but it WILL keep natives from moving ahead.
Maybe that's what the really government wants?

Posted by: peterthompson on February 27 2008 10:19 AM

lostfaith, the Aboriginal Choice Elementary School that is proposed will "be similar to other choice schools in the district, such as Montessori and French immersion schools where parents choose to send their children". It is part of a school system that is open to all races. I sent my kids through the French immersion choice system and they did very well.

Andyfreeze, you are ignoring the fact that we live in a deeply racist society; this society already makes "exceptions because of race or ethnic group". Good policy will act to counteract the racism.

That said, I don't think that this proposal will work well because YamaDooPolCat makes an accurate prediction; this will simply exacerbate the deeply entrenched racism within the society and provide another basis for discrimination against the aboriginal population,

Posted by: peterthompson on February 27 2008 10:21 AM

Posted by: billposer on February 27 2008 10:37 AM

AndyFreeze,

No, it is clear that you can't read. Your claims about "segregated education" contradict the explicit statement of the Report. You're making the proposal into something it isn't.

Posted by: lostfaith on February 27 2008 11:20 AM

Ok, I want a school system put in place that teaches my children the Swedish language, culture,and traditions.
One land, one law, one people, one school.

Posted by: giterdun on February 27 2008 12:05 PM

I feel sorry for the natives that will go to this school. The bureaucrates just don't get it. The only way for the native situation to get better is for them to become fully integrated into society. One law, one system, period. If they want to maintain their cultural identity then do the same as every other ethnic group. The family looks after that. Oh by the way, most of the parents who send their kids to french or montessori schools, pay taxes. I think that the vast majority of the citizens of this province have had enough of the special treatment of the natives.

Posted by: lostfaith on February 27 2008 12:46 PM

Qwaszxter

Work is what prevents welfare dependancy

Posted by: camoose on February 27 2008 1:21 PM

We already have segregated schools. Most of them are run by various religions.

Posted by: Howrd_B_Stern on February 27 2008 1:26 PM

"One land, one law, one people, one school"

That was a popular saying way back when to.

One people, One country, One leader

Loosely translated from, Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Fuhrer.

Just something to add to the mix.

Giterdun, are you saying that no natives pay taxes?

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 27 2008 1:31 PM

I am very familiar with native kids in our schools and I am also familiar with the attitude that many of them have.
Because it is usually bad,just like far too many of the "white" kids!
The anti-white issue that so many native kids have is a major problem.
They do need to learn that not everyone dislikes them because they are native.
They are however,made to feel different in our schools, and that IS a problem.
It doesn't have to be that way, but it always will be, until those that claim to have all the answers and develope these programs that never help, start to figure it out.
Special schools and educational programs don't help them,they hurt them!!
Those of us who go to work and pay our taxes have every right to be angry when we see nothing more than token bandaid attempts to fix things and the main issues that harm native people go unmentioned!
Let's face it,when you have nothing better to do all day than sit around bitching about how bad your life is, or hanging out on street corner,drugs and booze WILL become a problem sooner or later!
JOBS and EDUCATION go together, but there has to be a set standard to follow.
We can't make exceptions for anyone,because there are no jobs to be found for a different set of standards.
All that will ever do is stereotype native people even more.
(as in "oh,I see on your job application that you have a "native" education")??
They are NOT stupid,they do NOT learn differently,and they ARE capable of dealing with the same standards as the rest of us.
They need to be given that chance.
It is the morons who keep dreaming up these programs that hurt them.
Deny it all you want, but these program are NOT helping and they will NEVER help.
Millions wasted because nobody wants to tell the truth.
JOBS and SELF RESPECT are what is needed and you don't get either by being treated as "different"!

Posted by: caranmacil on February 27 2008 2:28 PM

Being treated like you need special help to make it in life sets you up for a life of dependancy. How does giving kids a school specially tailored to help them graduate give them confidence? There are a lot of racists out there. Most of them think of themselves as the opposite. They treat natives like children, giving them excuses, rationalizing bad behaviour on the part of some individuals as being due to historical indignities, etc.
Native children are as smart as any other race of kids, period. At young ages they can and do perform as well as other kids in their socioeconomic group. So why do so many fail to graduate? Well, maybe we need to look at the other influences in their lives. Lets face it, poor graduation does not reflect a lack of cultural relevance in the curriculum. How many of us would have graduated if we actually had to have an interest in what we were learning? I would not have. If studetns are immersed in a culture that tells them that they are persecuted by white society they will not respect the values of that society and thus will not succeed in it. If they are taught that completing school is not something that is expected (at the minimum) then, being young, they wont graduate.
If giving natives their own school can help them fit into and succeed in canadian culture (the former being necessary for the latter) then i am for it. I just dont see how treating a whole race of people as remedial students is going to do this. I think a more positive step is needed. Reducing the animosity between our races would be helpful. Maybe we could start by refraining from claiming 'our society is so racist" without any real evidence. As long as people keep gearing about how hard they have it they are going to believe it, rather than taking responsibility for themselves. This is true for ALL races creeds and culture sou there.

Posted by: lostfaith on February 27 2008 3:45 PM

Posted by: Howrd_B_Stern on February 27 2008 1:26 PM
"One land, one law, one people, one school"

That was a popular saying way back when to.

One people, One country, One leader

Loosely translated from, Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Fuhrer.

And you are the only one that thinks of what I wrote in these terms.

Posted by: giterdun on February 27 2008 4:16 PM

Quaszxter.

Just so you know...I am a REDNECK and proud of it. I believe in everyone being equal, An eye for an eye, A days work earns a days pay, Yes sir no sir, Yes mame no mame, Please and thank you. If you deserve respect you get respect, There ain't no free ride. School programs like this WON'T WORK and will only breed contempt. I believe our government is at fault for the native problem. Making them special has not and will not work, EVER. And btw I know lots of natives that are products of our education system and are successful and well respected. The majority of them however, should quit whining and do something to HELP THEMSELVES.

Posted by: lostfaith on February 27 2008 5:17 PM

Well said Giter

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 27 2008 6:35 PM

I second that giterdun!

Posted by: Harbinger on February 27 2008 6:56 PM

Ditto, giterdun! Hey! At least they don't use the word "residential" this time. If this idea doesn't work out, can we be expected to be sued again in the years to come?

Posted by: detoe43 on February 27 2008 10:05 PM

Some native leaders are proposing exactly what Gitterdun writes...and they are paying a political price for their views. It is of interest to note that these same leaders also have some of the most successful, profitable native run businesses on their lands. I'm all for Aboriginals keeping, learning & promoting their culture, but it has to be tempered
with realism. This is the year 2008 & like it or not the past is not returning.
One more thought, racism & discrimination are not white man's diseases, they know no racial or cultural boundaries and have been around for time immemorial.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 28 2008 9:18 AM

Many First Nations leaders are a major part of the problem.
They spend far to much time re-hashing the past instead of moving their people forward by pushing them into the 21st.century.
They are also a bit too well paid when so many others have nothing.
That is well known among the people themselves,but many are too afraid to speak out.
Accountability is needed so that everyone benefits,not just the elite.
Unfortunately,our government knows that too,but they don't have the guts to do anything about it either!

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 28 2008 10:19 AM

IMO,leaders like Phil Fontaine are a classic example of those in a political position of power, who have actually done very little,if anything,for native peole.
One does have to wonder how he hangs on to that power and position?
Don't native people ever get fed up with the rhetoric and the lack of progress?
I guess I can answer my own question, because I know several native people on a personel level that have left the rez just for those reasons!
And they are far better off and are the first ones to admit that.

Posted by: Harbinger on February 28 2008 5:12 PM

Someone once asked if Mr. Phil Fontaine lived on a reserve. I don't remember any one answering that question. Oh well.

Posted by: metalman on February 28 2008 6:17 PM

And so it continues, ad nauseum.
The 'native problem', is perpetuated by those who profit from the endless continuance of the situation, is it not obvious?
Some of the native leaders (and DO those who speak loudest live on reserves? under the same conditions as a common indian? that being those unfortunates who are not related to, or otherwise affiliated with those in power?)
also a large number of native specialty lawyers, are the ones who have a vested interest in keeping the whole industry going. I agree with most all of the previous comments, and share in the sentiment of blaming the government, but I blame the government for allowing this situation to perpetuate.
I don't care if Adolph Hitler uttered
Ein volk, etc, ONE COUNTRY+ONE PEOPLE+ ONE LAW fits our situation in CANADA.
Oh, to opine on the aboriginal school?
Okay, maybe it is not proposed as segregation, but in that case, why flippin bother? We already have schools where all colours and creeds are welcome, why start another? TYPICAL MYOPIC RESPONSE from government, they can't fix it, so they try to make and end run around the problem. HEY SHIRLEY, ARE YOU LISTENING?
Please try and fix the problem, you are ignoring the problem by creating another answer to your dilemma. Thank you.
metalman.

Posted by: thereasonableman on February 28 2008 11:26 PM

Some very lofty ideas indeed. 11 recommendations that say 2 or 3 things.

Special aboriginal schools open to all races. Build it and they will come ? I doubt it.

It will be all native and will carry the stigma of being the "special" school. I think it's a dis-service to natives.

Are there going to be "special jobs" available to these kids when they finish school ? Jobs tailored to their identity and culture ?

Here's a bit of smoke up your...

"( the Board says such a school would not be segregated, it would be similar to other choice schools in the district, such as Montessori and French immersion schools where parents choose to send thief children)"
{overlook the fact that it says 'thief children', that's not my point and you know what they meant}

This seems logical until you consider that French Immersion and Montessori programs are enhanced educational opportunities for children that are not having trouble.

They are not programs that are designed to address: "the reality that Aboriginal students have lower academic achievement and graduation rates."

So, it's really apples and oranges being compared.

I think if you want to learn how to be an orange but you want to get along with the apples.... you might benefit from spending some time around the apples, then go home to the orange tree at the end of the day.