The CSBA Indigenous Education Committee addresses Indigenous issues at the national level and seeks to develop and support a framework for analysis of how we can contribute to action/ deliberation on those issues by member associations. Below is a listing of valuable news and resources.
Our guiding principles can be found in the 2014 CSBA Charter of Commitment; First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education at CSBA Charter of Commitment; First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education.
We have built a cross country overview of how school boards are presently structured to ensure representation of FNMI interests, school boards response to the TRC Calls to Action and promising practices across the country. Read the full report below:
Indigenous Education Structure, Initiatives and Promising Practices
The CSBA has held multiple online panel discussions on the topic of Indigenous Education, with expert speakers sharing valuable information for the education community. Visit our YouTube channel to see the recordings from the events.
- “We’re ready, now let’s talk” – https://youtu.be/bvwk5ng7DD4
- Indigenous Leaders Panel – https://youtu.be/dL-1vI4QFlo
Some of our recent advocacy efforts are found below:
- To Minister Carolyn Bennett Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada: A letter to support the call for increased support and attention to recovering the bodies of Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools. Read the letter here.
- To the Prime Minister, Ministers of Education, the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Premiers: A letter to call for all levels of government to work collaboratively with School boards and other partners in education and invest in a more equitable funding system and to provide for equal, responsive and appropriate education for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Read the letter here.
- To the AFN; a letter offering our full support for their efforts to provide educational opportunities and to demonstrate our commitment to the Calls to Action specific to education in the TRC report. Read the letter here.
- To the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs: Following the Daniels vs. Canada ruling, requesting the plans for implementation and funding for improving the educational outcomes for Métis students. Read the letter here.
- To the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada: We advocate for the repeal of outdated legislation that still allows for corporal punishment in schools. The expectations of both children and teachers for a safe and secure environment are a basic human right and it is long past time that this law be addressed and replaced. Calls to Action in the TRC report include repealing Section 43 of the Criminal Code. Read the letter here.
We have partnered with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to align our efforts on the Calls to Action that will impact education for all Canadian children. Their website provides a wealth of resources which you can access here.
The Assembly of First Nations has developed a Tool Kit for Educators to use in classrooms to raise awareness and provide history and a cultural perspective for Indigenous Education that has become so important to our Canadian Identity. Find the free tools on Apple iTunes at https://education.afn.ca/toolkit/
Educators can sign up to get a free Legacy School toolkit from the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund! Toolkits include copies of the Secret Path book, educational resources (virtual & in class), a reconciliACTION Guidebook, tote bag, and more. Educators also get access to free virtual resources (K-12) and live engagements with Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians, artists, scientists, writers and more! www.LegacySchools.ca
One of the most interesting resources for best practices in Aboriginal Education is PPW. Sponsored by the Martin Family Initiative (MFI) , this site provides access to a virtual library of resources related to K- 12 curriculum, research, multi-media, classroom practices and relevant policies.
Educators, researchers and others use the site to enhance and share learning opportunities and to improve educational success for Aboriginal students. The site also includes materials related to Early Childhood Education, Parent/Community Engagement and Issues. The site is updated monthly with new materials. By registering with them, you will receive these updates directly as they are posted. If interested in sharing practices and/or learning more about these initiatives, please visit their website here: https://www.themfi.ca/.
Below you will find additional links and resources that may be useful.
First Nation Communities READ is an annual program of books selected by Indigenous librarians.
This year’s collection includes 17 titles for Children and 23 books for Young Adults-Adults.
The 2020 collection is featured on their homepage. Please click here>> FNCRead
The list and special offer is available for download here>>FNCRead List
For other ways to participate in the FNCR reading challenge, please visit the official website:
https://www.sols.org/index.php/first-nation-communities-read-support
