Language empowerment key to aboriginal education (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Language empowerment key to aboriginal education

[photo inset - Andrew Leong/file.
Jean Crowder makes her victory speech in January.]

By Jean Crowder
Dec 27 2006
http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=9&cat=23&id=800982&more=

In schools: Put Aboriginal children in touch with their culture

The year kicked off with Jean Crowder winning this riding in the federal
election in convincing fashion.

Year-end found her immersed in a federal issue that has a big impact
here — aboriginal education.

Language is critical. Without it, a culture cannot survive.

Yet, in 1996, UNESCO indicated “Canada’s aboriginal languages are among
the most endangered in the world.”

It was the Assembly of First Nations that identified First Nation
languages and cultures a priority in 1972, with its position paper
called “Indian Control of Indian Education.”

The paper stated: “Unless a child learns about the forces which shape
him: the history of his people, their values and customs, their
language, he will never really know himself or his potential as a human
being.” For more than 30 years, the Assembly of First Nations has firmly
maintained First Nation people must be in control of the revitalization
and preservation of First Nation languages and cultures.

Education is a critical factor in that revitalization. However, research
shows First Nations’ education in British Columbia has lagged behind.
Recent graduation rates for students living on reserve were 36 per cent
lower than the overall provincial rates for non-aboriginal students.

The 2004 Auditor General’s report on elementary and secondary education
stated this gap was so serious, at the current rate of initiatives
underway, it would take 28 years to close it.

This is unacceptable.

Elders, First Nations’ chiefs and councillors, community members,
students and teachers have come together to talk about this issue and
put initiatives in place. Of critical importance has been an ability to
assert control, over not only the schools but also the curriculum and
delivery methodologies that First Nations know will work in increasing
their success rates.

It is for this reason recent parliamentary activities are of such
significance for First Nations.

Earlier this year, an education agreement was signed between Canada, the
province of British Columbia and the First Nations Education Steering
Committee in B.C. The agreement enables First Nations in British
Columbia to assume meaningful control over education on reserve at both
the elementary and the secondary school levels.

On Dec. 5, all parties in the House of Commons came together to
fast-track and unanimously pass Bill C-34, an act to provide for
jurisdiction over education on First Nation lands in British Columbia.

Bill C-34 is the legislation that will provide the framework for a
modern legislated school system driven by First Nations in B.C. It will
build on the successes that we’re seeing in the community.

Local examples of successful cultural initiatives include the Quw’utsun
Syuw’entst Lelum Culture and Education Centre, Cowichan Tribes’
dictionary project, Quw’utsun Smuneem elementary school, and Cowichan
Valley Aboriginal Education Improvement Agreement.

Each of these initiatives acknowledges and honours Hul’qumi’num as the
principal aboriginal language of this territory and promotes its
inclusion in the development of programs and curriculum.

These are examples of made-in-B.C. solutions. These agreements work for
First Nations peoples across British Columbia because they were
achieved through an extensive consultation process driven by First
Nations communities.

While noteworthy, there is so much more to do. My goal is to support
positive change that is both meaningful and timely.

This past year, I ensured that First Nations representatives from B.C.
appeared at the parliamentary Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs
to discuss the B.C. Treaty process for the first time. I put forward a
motion urging the government to support the UN Declaration on
Indigenous Rights, contributed to a committee review of post-secondary
education, and supported the historic Snuneymuxw Protocol.

For decades, aboriginal peoples in Canada have been asserting their
rights. As we enter into 2007, it is time for Canada’s government to
translate talk into action.

Jean Crowder is the Nanaimo-Cowichan MP and NDP Aboriginal Affairs
critic.

© Copyright 2006 Duncan News Leader and Pictorial