First Nations and Métis Education: an Advisory for School Boards
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First Nations and Métis Education: An Advisory for School Boards Module 11 Participate in this seminar to learn more about First Nations and Métis education. Module 11 workshop and resource materials include these important topics. • Enhancing awareness of First Nations and Métis cultures; • Policy leadership for First Nations and Métis education; and, • Challenges and success stories for educational equity and educational governance. Acknowledgments The Saskatchewan School Boards Association acknowledges with appreciation the following contributions. Advisory Committee • William Caisse – Ile-a-la-Crosse School Division #112 ; • Ernie Lawton – Ernie Lawton Consulting; • Representative of First Nations and Métis Education Branch – the Ministry of Education; • Danette Starblanket – Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations; and, • Eldon Van Den Bossche – Horizon School Division #205. Author/Editor Loraine Thompson, Loraine Thompson Information Services Limited 401 – 2305 Victoria Avenue Regina, SK S4P 0S7 Phone/Fax: (306) 757-3206 Email: [email protected] For More Information Saskatchewan School Boards Association 2222 – 13th Avenue Regina Saskatchewan, Canada S4P 3M7 (306) 569-0750 Website: www.saskschoolboards.ca Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2007 Saskatchewan School Boards Association, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Reproduction of any portion of these materials without the express written consent of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association is strictly prohibited. Elected members and employees of school boards that are members of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association may reproduce excerpts of these materials for non-commercial purposes acknowledging the Association.These materials are intended as general information rather than specific legal advice. Users should consult legal counsel for a definitive statement of the law. The authors and editors expressly disclaim any liability for any errors and omissions. First Nations and Métis Education: An Advisory for School Boards Contents Introduction ............................................................................................... 3 Purpose ............................................................................................................................3 Context of First Nations and Métis Education ................................................................4 Definitions .......................................................................................................................5 Organization of This Document ......................................................................................6 For More Information .....................................................................................................6 Evaluating Achievement .......................................................................... 7 Success for All Students ..................................................................................................7 The Value of First Nations and Métis Ways ....................................................................9 The Importance of Relationships ....................................................................................9 School Boards Can ........................................................................................................11 Role of the School Board ....................................................................... 13 The School Board’s Responsibilities ............................................................................13 The Legal Role of the School Board .............................................................................13 Strategic Governance ....................................................................................................14 Data Collection .............................................................................................................15 School Boards Can ........................................................................................................16 First Nations and Métis People in Sask................................................ 18 The First Nations and Métis Population .......................................................................18 The Student Population .................................................................................................18 Educational Achievement .............................................................................................19 The Employment Picture ..............................................................................................23 School Boards Can ........................................................................................................24 Historical Context ................................................................................... 25 Pre-Contact ...................................................................................................................25 Early Contact ................................................................................................................26 Later Contact .................................................................................................................26 Important Legislation ....................................................................................................27 Treaties ..........................................................................................................................28 The Reserve System ......................................................................................................29 First Nations Self-Government .....................................................................................30 The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations ..........................................................30 Métis History ................................................................................................................31 The Early Years ............................................................................................................31 The Nineteenth Century ................................................................................................31 The Métis Today ...........................................................................................................33 School Boards Can ........................................................................................................33 1 First Nations and Métis Education: An Advisory for School Boards Education – Past and Present ............................................................... 35 Pre-Contact ...................................................................................................................35 First Nations Students ..................................................................................................36 Residential Schools .......................................................................................................36 The Present Day ............................................................................................................37 Métis Students ...............................................................................................................39 First Nations and Métis Student Experiences of Schooling ..........................................40 Home/School Differences .............................................................................................40 Racism ...........................................................................................................................40 School Boards Can ........................................................................................................42 Governance ............................................................................................. 44 School Board ................................................................................................................45 School Community Council ..........................................................................................50 School Boards Can ........................................................................................................51 Promoting Student Success .................................................................. 53 Success ..........................................................................................................................53 First Nations and Métis Content in the Educational Program ......................................55 Curriculum ....................................................................................................................55 Learning Resources .......................................................................................................56 The School Board and the Education Program .............................................................56 Role of the School Board ..............................................................................................56 Supporting Students ......................................................................................................58 Classroom Teachers ......................................................................................................60 Effective Teachers .........................................................................................................60 First Nations and Métis Role Models ...........................................................................61 Early Childhood Education ...........................................................................................62