Lakehead University Knowledge Commons,http://knowledgecommons.lakeheadu.ca Electronic Theses and Dissertations Electronic Theses and Dissertations from 2009 2012-11-10 A Seventh fire spark preparing the seventh generation : what are the education related needs and concerns of students from Rainy River First Nations Horton, Robert Animikii http://knowledgecommons.lakeheadu.ca/handle/2453/295 Downloaded from Lakehead University, KnowledgeCommons A Seventh Fire Spark Preparing the Seventh Generation: What are the Education Related Needs and Concerns of Students from Rainy River First Nations? by Robert Animikii Horton "Bebaamweyaazh" Waabizheshi Dodem A thesis submitted to the Department of Sociology, Lakehead University, in partial fu lfillmentof the requirements for the Masters of Arts Degree Spring 2011 11 Abstract: This study examines factors that impact high school completion for Rainy River First Nations students living on-reserve in the Manitou Rapids community in Ontario. Utilizing traditional community knowledge as a guiding framework and a qualitative inquiry guided by Indigenous research ethics and Anishinaabe protocols, open-ended interviews were conducted with three key informants and six young people who resided on-reserve during schooling years to discuss their educational experiences, needs and concerns. Based on these interviews, this study brings First Nations student voices and experiences to the forefront to show that on-reserve First Nations high school completion is influencedby significant challenges that are related to the trauma and history of colonization in Canada. F orrnerstudents discussed concerns and challenges in the intertwined areas of the school, family, community, and culture. The research reflections reported in this study prompted the development of a framework for a partnershipmodel of educational support which incorporates the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings. 111 "It is only by unveiling truth about reality that one can come to a critical understanding of the present and learn what needs to be done for the future. " Paulo Freire IV Acknowledgements I would like to express and extend my most sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all individuals who contributed to the initial foundation, development, and completion of this thesis. First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to ourPeople of Manitou Rapids and Rainy River First Nations our Chief, Council, Administration, all families fromall of our original lands ofPaskonkin (Hungry Hall No. 1), The Bishop (Hungry Hall No. 2), Wildlands, Long Sault Rapids No. 1 and No. 2, Manitou Rapids, and Little Forks, and to all our Anishinaabe people, leaders, elders, families, and youth of our indigenous nations of the Treaty #3 region who have shown an incredible amount of support, faith, trust, and partnership in this project. Miigwech! A very sincere "Thank You" to, Shirley A. Horton-Kampa (Niiyoobinesik) and Tim Kampa for your unyielding support, love, care, and leadership; by example. You have crafted and created footsteps of the highest respect, integrity, and pride for me to follow; Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom), Zaagidwin (Love), Minaadendamowin (Respect), Aakode'ewin (Bravery), Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty), Dabaadendiziwin (Humility), dash Debewewin (and Truth). Appreciation to my family for your consistent, unending support and appreciation to the influences of those that came before who exist at the core of this project and dream; my second parents Delbert (Gichi Anakwut) and Laura (Niizhgnebik), sisters Yvonne (Bebaamweyaashik), Barb (T'bishkokomigook), Marcel, my Brother (Waabishkwaanakwat), a best friend and sister Tracy (Giiwednigaabowik), Larry (Ogimaawigabow), Linda (Gichi'ikwe), Saki, Bobby (Wewegaabow), Eliza (Naawake Giizhigook) Miskwaanamanok, Zagachiwens, Ozhaawagkoonz, ni we'ah Eva Black (Chishaa'ish), and my family from Kaynahchiwahnung (Long Sault Rapids) and Manidoo Baawitigong (Manitou Rapids), Onigaming (Sabaskong First Nation), Miskwa-gami wizaga'iganing (Red Lake, MN), Oobashiing (P onemah, MN),and Asabiikone-Zaaga'iganing (Nett Lake, MN). Appreciation to fellow First Nation youth leader and RRFN scholar, walking and sharing a very similar road and path, Carissa Copenace (Nigaan-niga-bawik), to Dan Coulter (a best friend with supportive patience while away), Bangii Waabigwan Abinoojii Jennifer Marker, uncle Tom Andrus, Lori Mainville, Lori Whiteman, Bee Freilinger, Tyler Hunter, Diane Kelly, Tamara Gibbins, Albert Hunter Jr., the Minnesota Indian Education Association. Appreciation to my advisors, Dr. Sharon Dale Stone and Dr. Paul Carr, Department of Sociology, and Dr. Doug West, Department ofPolitical Science at Lakehead University, and Dr. Raven Sinclair, University of Regina. Thank you all. This project is in memory of family who crossed to the next world over the course of the inception, development, and realization of this project; Chanelle Star Rosebear (Mindimowe) (August 18, 1989 �March 21, 2005), Robert 'Sonny' Medicine (October 6, 1966-November 30, 2005), Angela Indian (Aniimikiiwasamoog) (April 8, 1974-April 12, 2007), Robert Horton (Niiyooganeb) (January 26, 1947-February 7, 2008), Robert Medicine Sr. (Wewegaabow) (January 7, 1929-March 1, 2008), and Eliza Medicine (Naawake Giizhigook) (October 28, 1932-September 1, 2010). From the memory and foundations of Chief Mawedopenais (Long Sault Rapids, Rainy River Anishinaabe) to the times of the Neesh-wa-swi Ish-ko-day-kawn and beyond; For our Youth. For our Leaders who lead by integrity and example. For ourPeople. For Seven Generations Forward. v Table of Contents Abstract: ...................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ v Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Personal Connection to the Study ........................................................................................ ....... 4 Community and Clan Responsibility ...................................................................................... 4 Family Legacy ........................................................................................................................ 4 Personal Experience .......................................................................... ...................................... 5 Contextualization of the Rainy River First Nations Community ................................................ 5 River of Time: A BriefHistory of Rainy River First Nations ................................................ 6 A Current Community Education-Related Crisis in Context ................................................. 7 Organizing Framework: Mishkwegaabow's Perspective ........................................................... 9 Plan of Thesis .............................................................................................................................. 9 Chapter One: Review of Literature ............................................................................................... 10 A Historical Perspective on Indigenous Education .................................................................. 10 Traditional Education ............................................................................................................ 10 Education Towards Assimilation .......................................................................................... 11 Towards Integration .............................................................................................................. 12 Schools and the Marginalization oflndigenous Experience ................................................. 13 Understanding the Move fr om Education to Western "Schooling" ...................................... 16 The Influx ofNeoliberalism into Schooling: A Growing Challenge .................................... 17 Impact of Colonization .................................................... .................................................... 19 Why is Schooling Important for Indigenous Communities? ................................................ 20 Education Related-Challenges in Context .......... ...................... ............. ................................... 22 Family Effects ....................................................................................................................... 22 Contemporary Experiences of Schooling ............................................... .............................. 26 Community Challenges ...................................... .................................................................. 31 Cultural Knowledge and Affinity...................................................... ................................... 34 Qualitative Studies Showcasing Indigenous Student Perspectives ........................................... 36 Conclusion ................................................................................... ............................................. 40 Chapter 2: Methods ....................................................................................................................... 42 Conducting Research