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Ike Awgu

Lawyer & Journalist

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Why Are Aboriginals Afraid of Integration?

Posted: 01/04/2013 5:01 pm
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Stephen Harper blinked first. On January 11, 2013 the Prime Minister will be meeting with Theresa Spence and a delegation of First Nations leaders coordinated by the Assembly of First Nations. It would be wonderful if the meeting was televised so ordinary people could watch the artful way in which difficult work is avoided, hard questions are unasked and the theatre continues.

At some point, aboriginal Canadians need to consider that the best hope of a future for their children may be integration into the mainstream of Canadian socio-economic life. They need also understand that integration is not the same as assimilation.

The latter is the process by which one group's culture and language disappear and are lost under pressure to become part of another dominant group. The former is the process where one culture gains ideas, technologies and products from another without losing its own uniqueness and becomes part of a greater whole.

No one is forced to assimilate in modern Canada. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world, from places that have living conditions worse even than those found on reserves, immigrate to Canada and find success. These people care no less about their culture of origin than aboriginal people do theirs. They care no less about their history than aboriginal people do theirs. They care no less about their traditions and language than aboriginal people do theirs. Have they been "assimilated"?

If so, tell it to the Chinese community in Vancouver or the Lebanese community in Ottawa. Tell it to the Indian community in Brampton or the Portuguese community. This may be a fact that is inconvenient for the aboriginal industry, who profit off the continued misery of native people, but I don't like the fact that chocolate makes you fat and the chocolate I eat doesn't seem to care.

No amount of meetings with the Prime Minister, "white papers", renovated treaties or twitter campaigns will give to Aboriginal people a standard of living commensurate with that of ordinary Canadians if they choose to live in the margins of society far away and disconnected from the mainstream of Canada.

Hunger strikes and the leveraging of guilt or historic grievances will only secure more face time with politicians and perhaps, if public pressure makes them amenable to the idea, brand new "study groups," committees and white, green, blue or rainbow papers.

Appeals to guilt, by the way, will become increasingly unsuccessful over time as Canada changes and people become increasingly removed, both temporally and demographically from the origin of the grievance. This fact might be unpleasant, but it is true and inevitable, much like another unpleasant fact connecting good health to exercise; I don't like this fact -- my waistline seems oblivious to the displeasure.

Whatever compensation or land that is owed to Aboriginals according to signed treaties should be paid to them. But their future lies in independence, the independence gained by wealth, success and yes, integration.

Loading Slideshow...

  • A native dancer looks on during an 'Idle No More' gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

  • Native dancers rally during an 'Idle No More' gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

  • Idle No More Mall Protest

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/LJ_Henshell"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/630755180/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/LJ_Henshell">LJ Henshell</a>:<br />A First Nations Drummer plays during a protest at Intercity Shopping Center in Thunder Bay, Ontario

  • It's about the future

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/LJ_Henshell"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/630755180/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/LJ_Henshell">LJ Henshell</a>:<br />A child protests in Thunder Bay, Ontario

  • United we stand

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Doug_Cleverley"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/805699678/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Doug_Cleverley">Doug Cleverley</a>:<br />At the #IdleNoMore rally in Owen Sound (Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory), during a spontaneous round dance at the main downtown intersection.

  • Killer Whale Dance

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4441016.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop">Courtney Harrop</a>:<br />Idle No More actions, Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

  • Idle No More #J11

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4441016.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop">Courtney Harrop</a>:<br />Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

  • Idle No More #J11 March

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4441016.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop">Courtney Harrop</a>:<br />Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

  • Tla'Amin Prayer Song #J11 Idle No More

    Tla'Amin Prayer song on #J11 2013 Idle No More, Coast Salish Territories, Powell River BC

  • Tla'Amin Killer Whale Dance, #J11 #IdleNoMore

    Tla'Amin Killer Whale Dance, #J11 #IdleNoMore, Coast Salish Territories, Powell River, BC

  • C45 affects all Canadians! Join the fight.

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Eleanor_Kure"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/840875359/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Eleanor_Kure">Eleanor Kure</a>:<br />At the Idle No More protest in Halifax Nova Scotia. with an eco-justice article in pocket, spreading the word that Bill C45 affects every Canadian, not only First Nations. Thank you FN, for beginning this movement.

  • Piyesiw Awasis

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/mizzren"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/3183681.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/mizzren">mizzren</a>:<br />Thunderchild First Nation @ Lloydminster Flash Mob. January 16, 2013

  • <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/01/16/idle-no-more-queen-elizabeth-2-highway-blockade-alberta_n_2490009.html">Idle No More supporters jump onto a truck</a> as they are pushed by a driver trying to pass, as the protesters block Highway 2 as part of a planned national day of action, in Edmonton, Alberta on Wedneday January 16, 2013.

  • Aboriginal protesters march down Huron Church Road towards the Ambassador bridge in Windsor Ontario, Wednesday, January 16, 2013. About 1000 demonstrators disrupted traffic to the country's busiest border crossing for several hours.

  • Aboriginal protestors pray at the end of their blockade of a CN railroad track just west of Portage La Prairie, Man., on Wednesday, January 16, 2016. They ended their protest without incident.

  • Aboriginal protesters demonstrate at the base of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor Ontario, Wednesday, January 16, 2013. About 1000 demonstrators disrupted traffic to the country's busiest border crossing for several hours.

  • Idle No More demonstrators block a CN east-west track just west of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba Wednesday, January 16, 2016.

  • Mississaugas of the New Credit support INM

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Vicki_King_Jamieson"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/750500023/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Vicki_King_Jamieson">Vicki King Jamieson</a>:<br />New Credit Youth supporting INM

  • Montreal Idle No More

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Caillum"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Caillum">Caillum</a>:<br />Thousands of people, both Native and Canadian, show their support at an Idle No More protest in Montreal on January 11th, 2013.

  • #Denendeh #J11 #IdleNoMore #YZF #NWT Yellowknife "Northwest Territories"

    Video of the Global Day of Action rally in downtown Somba K’e (Yellowknife)on the Akaitcho territory of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation in Denendeh (Northwest Territories).

  • #IdleNoMore March and Round Dance in Yellowknife Denendeh NWT

    "Today (Friday, December 21, 2012) in Denendeh and across the globe, we made an impact, a statement for true justice to be brought forward and acknowledged. But it will not stop, for the 8th fire has been lit and will only grow. Mahsi for all who showed up and united, we felt the support....we felt the fire!! And there's more to come in the new year." On Facebook By Lawrence Nayally, Melaw Nakehk'o and Eugene Boulanger https://www.facebook.com/events/112403725595655/

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, wearing a headdress, takes part in a drum ceremony before departing a Ottawa hotel to attend a ceremonial meeting at Rideau Hall with Gov. Gen. David Johnston in Ottawa, Friday January 11, 2013.

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence, centre, departs a Ottawa hotel to attend a ceremonial meeting at Rideau Hall with Gov. Gen. David Johnston in Ottawa, Friday January 11, 2013.

  • Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with First Nations leaders in Ottawa on January 11, 2013.

  • Prime Minister Stephen Harper meets with First Nations leaders in Ottawa on January 11, 2013.

  • Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence makes a brief statement on Victoria Island near Parliament Hill Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa. Spence is speaking out for the first time about how her reserve spends government money, saying most of what flows to her isolated James Bay reserve actually gets spent outside the community.

  • Aboriginal Chiefs stand at the main gate to Parliament Hill during a protest Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa.

  • Idle No More protesters listen to speakers during a rally on Parliament Hill Friday January 11, 2013 in Ottawa.

  • Gordie Odjig of Wikwemikong stands at the west gate to the Langevin Block during the aboriginal meeting in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Idle No More at UBC Vancouver

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Randall_Gray"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/100001602753648/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Randall_Gray">Randall Gray</a>:<br />

  • Idle No More at UBC Vancouver

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Randall_Gray"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/100001602753648/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Randall_Gray">Randall Gray</a>:<br />

  • Los Angeles Rally In Solidarity with First nations

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/hp_blogger_Melinda Gopher"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/contributors/melinda-gopher/headshot.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/hp_blogger_Melinda Gopher">HuffPost Blogger Melinda Gopher</a>:<br />Brock Conway, Blackfeet activist, with Saulteaux Actor Adam Beach and companion. Photo: Morning Star Gopher

  • Native protesters march up Wellington Street in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Four-year-old Phoenix Sky Cottrelle,from Aamjiwnaang First Nation, holds a sign as aboriginal protestors gather on Victoria Island before they march to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Aboriginal protestors hold signs as they march from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Gordie Odjig, an aboriginal protestor from Wikwemikong, shouts as he marches from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, January 11, 2013.

  • Woman's Voices

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4441016.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Courtney_Harrop">Courtney Harrop</a>:<br />Idle No More event Dec 30th,2012. Tla'Amin Nation Coast Salish Territories Powell River, British Columbia.

  • Idle No More Edmonton

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/AUPELOCAL6CHAIR"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/twitter_profile_img/4411530.png" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/AUPELOCAL6CHAIR">AUPELOCAL6CHAIR</a>:<br />Planned overnight and what a turn out!

  • IdleNoMore March, Dauphin, Mb

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Phyllis_Racette"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/1354341984/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Phyllis_Racette">Phyllis Racette</a>:<br />#IdleNoMOre Dauphin, Mb

  • Chicago Idle No More @ the Canadian Consulate

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Jolene_Aleck"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/644015258/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Jolene_Aleck">Jolene Aleck</a>:<br />Chicago's Idle No More 1.5.2012 rally @ the Canadian Consulate

  • VancouverC Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • A man waves a flags as aboriginal protesters and supporters in the Idle No More movement block the Blue Water Bridge border crossing to the United States in Sarnia, Ont. on Saturday, January 5, 2013.

  • VancouverA Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverB Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverD Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverH Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC, January 2, 2013.

  • VancouverF Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverE Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • VancouverG Jan 2 2013

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/gerrybates">gerrybates</a>:<br />Idle No More at Waterfront Station, Vancouver, BC

  • Flag Planting

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/seawaytoday"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/seawaytoday">seawaytoday</a>:<br />Akwesasne Idle No More att Cornwall, ON

  • Dec 21st 2012 Idle No More Ottawa: Berdine

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Gail_Chicky_Gallagher"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/535670179/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Gail_Chicky_Gallagher">Gail Chicky Gallagher</a>:<br />



 

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Rob Bear
12 Fans
12:16 AM on 01/13/2013
I appreciate very much your differentiating between "integration" and "assimilation."

The problem is that the Federal Government's goal has always been "assimilation" of First Nations people. That can be sen in Bill C-45.
Permalink  |
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turkeylurky
Just keepin it real........
140 Fans
10:11 AM on 01/10/2013
An excellent well reasoned and articulated blog, Ike.. Kudos..
Permalink  |
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thanuat
12 Fans
09:57 AM on 01/10/2013
The charade of reservation life must stop in order for the aboriginal community to normalize andend the self-inflicted wounds of dishonest band councils (read Mafia), glue-sniffing youth, spousal abuse, etc. All wrong. They should wake up and smell the coffee that so many other minority groups have, and enter the mainstream of Canadian life. Any comparison with Palestinians, Irish, South Africans, Tibetans etc., is sheer nonsense.
Permalink  |
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
SeanMartin
Everything in moderation.
1411 Fans
08:42 AM on 01/10/2013
So the thesis here really comes down to "Why cant they just be like us?"

And we know how successful that line of thinking usually is.
Permalink  |
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
logicanada
Blogger, radio co-host, writer, editor, voice-over
1842 Fans
 
10:49 AM on 01/08/2013
Gee Ike. Why are Palestinians, South Africans, The Irish, Australian Aborigines, Muslims, Iranians, Tibetans, women and the poor afraid to integrate?
Permalink  |
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Christopher Ray Miller
22 Fans
02:03 PM on 01/08/2013
Before this question of yours begins to make even the first modicum of sense, you will need to reread exactly what he is talking about when he explains "integrate", and then make it clear whether your question is about people of those origins in Canada — in which case they fall in the same class as other immigrants he is talking about (including himself, of Nigerian origin and probably Igbo ethnicity, judging from his name) — or about these people in their native countries.

If your question is about the second, then it simply has nothing to do with what he is talking about here: they are all already fully integrated into their respective societies.

I have often noticed that it is the people who are most incapable of distinguishing elementary facts or rules of logical argument who arrogantly give themselves the most pretentious and self-righteous "I am in full possession of the Full Truth on all matters" names in order to mask (or so they seem to think) their utter intellectual vacuity. "logicanada", my foot!
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fencerman
100 Fans
01:00 PM on 01/07/2013
I think it would be news to a lot of aboriginals that they "chose" to live in the margins on remote reserves far away from the rest of Canadian society.
Permalink  |
Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
11:19 PM on 01/05/2013
On Urban Aboriginal Migration – Executive Summary of the Final Report:

A key finding in terms of the demographic trends in the five cities under study is that the urban Aboriginal population is young (approximately 45% are under the age of 25) and its numbers are increasing.

The fact that urban migration is a long-term trend is reflected in the fact that a significant number of Aboriginal people (16%) have lived in the city for 20 years or more, with 63% indicating that they have lived in their respective cities for five years or more. Having said this, we also found that many Aboriginal people maintain important links to their communities of origin primarily to visit family and friends and for holidays.”

http://74.213.160.105/ofifchome/page/uatf/UATFOntarioFinalReport.pdf

Note: the report is there but I cannot make it blue...gggrrr
you'll have to c&p..grin
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
11:15 PM on 01/05/2013
In 2007, Trent University Indigenous Studies Professor Don McCaskill presented his final report to the Ontario Urban Aboriginal Task Force on a province-wide research project to help provide solutions to many of the critical issues facing Aboriginal people living within urban environments.

This study was built on an earlier 1981 study published by the Task Force on the Needs of Native People in an Urban Setting, a partnership between the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, the Ontario native Women's Association, the Ontario Métis Aboriginal Association and government. It employed community-based research methods to examine several areas, including demographics, identity and culture, economics and employment, education and youth, homelessness, health services, women, and justice.

The five cities included in the study were Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Barrie-Midland, Sudbury and Kenora.
Permalink  |
Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
11:12 PM on 01/05/2013
From the National Association of Friendships Centres:

“The concept of a "Friendship Centre" originated in the mid-1950's. A noticeable number of Aboriginal people were moving to the larger urban areas of Canada, primarily to seek an improved quality of life. In an effort to address the needs expressed by their communities, concerned individuals began to push for the establishment of specialized agencies.”

The Friendship Centre Movement has been built over the past 60 years by leaders in communities across Canada. The following Friendship Centre pioneers have made a tremendous contribution to the national Friendship Centre Movement.


http://www.nafc.ca/memorial.htm

Xavier Michon : Thunder Bay ,Ontario ( VET):ANine-Mile Snipers@.
Ray Chambers : Gimli, Manitoba
Georgina Donald: Calling Lake, Alberta
Peter Dubois : Mucowpetung First Nation (FSIN)
Maurice Blondeau; Lebret, Saskatchewan(VET)
Walter Schoenthal : Regina, Saskatchewan (VET)
Amy Clemons :the great-great granddaughter of Chief Peguis
Elsie Bear: Grand Marais
Winston Menard : Winnipegosis, Manitoba President of the Swan River F/Cfor 25 years
Luverna Delores Clause :Seneca, from the Hawk Clan
Delia Gray : Wabesca Lake, Alberta (Royal Canadian Legion -Kingsway Legion Ladies Auxiliary)
Dave Parker :Penticton, British Columbia (vet)
Bill Messenger :Turtle Clan from Alderville First Nations
Tom Eagle :Ohskaning (Waterhen) Ojibway First Nation (VET)
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
11:08 PM on 01/05/2013
http://nafc.ca/en/news/national-association-of-friendship-centres-notified-of-youth-program-fundin/press-releases/18

Note: 2012 : According to Census 2006 54% of Aboriginal peoples live in urban settings but much less is understood about the needs of urban Aboriginal communities.

http://nafc.ca/en/content/partnerships-initiatives



Friendship Centres offer a variety of programs and services in a culturally appropriate manner, practising an open-door policy where anyone, regardless of race, religion, income or nationality can access programs.

Visitors to Friendship Centres can often find access to cultural programs, education and training, employment counselling, health programs, children and youth programs, recreation programs and economic development.

Friendship Centres also offer language training, entrepreneurial training, skills development, computer training, work site placements, nutrition programs, healing circles, alcohol and drug counselling, summer camps, day care centres, youth peer counselling, youth drop in centres, organized sports and leagues, wilderness training and facility rentals.

Many Centres also have arts and crafts shops and organize pow-wows and other events throughout the year.

Friendship Centres provide over 1.3 million client contacts across Canada within the programs and services offered every year.
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AcunningDisguise
magnus gigas caput
241 Fans
09:37 PM on 01/06/2013
I did not know such places existed I shall have to look for Vancouver area centers.
Permalink  |
Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:50 PM on 01/05/2013
http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/71/BackgrounderAboriginalEducation.en.pdf


Backgrounder on the CMEC Aboriginal Education Action Plan
Publication Date: 2008-12-12

This document provides an overview of the context for the declaration of Aboriginal education as a priority for the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada. It outlines the purpose and scope of the resulting action plan, as well as its goals, objectives, long-term outcome measures, and the three targeted deliverables.


&

http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/221/aboriginal_summit_report.pdf

It’s always good to include spirituality and prayer in everything that you do.
That’s the teaching of our people.

Always remember the phrase, “Before your feet hit the ground, you should be
in prayer.”


We ask our creator… to listen to us… as we’re powerless without their spiritual
help. We ask them to grant us courage for constructive solutions to complete
what was discussed yesterday in smaller groups.

That’s for the inclusion of First Nations and Métis people in the education system. We’re working toward that end, so that education will be holistic; it will be spiritual and in tune with the
teachings of our people.


The Elders always encouraged us to get the best education possible… Get your bachelor
of arts and your master of arts and your Ph.D.… but they used to add…
not at the expense of your culture.
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:36 PM on 01/05/2013
http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/221/aboriginal_summit_report.pdf


Strengthening Aboriginal Success - Summary Report
Publication Date: 2010-03-08

This report is intended to be a summary of the proceedings of the CMEC Summit on Aboriginal Education, and is largely summative and reflective in nature. It has been created around several broad themes according to "What we heard" at the summit.

&

http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/197/factors-affecting-aboriginal-youth.pdf

Factors Affecting the Use of Student Financial Assistance Programs by Aboriginal Youth
Publication Date: 2009-05-20

The objective of the literature review was to examine current and relevant literature and documentation in order to identify and explore issues pertaining to Aboriginal youths' access to financial assistance for PSE; the interdependence of cultural, social, and financial barriers to PSE; and research gaps in this area.
Permalink  |
Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:32 PM on 01/05/2013
http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/276/cmec-technical-workshop-aboriginalData-summaryReport.pdf

Publication Date: 2011-12-16

The CMEC Technical Workshop on Pan-Canadian Aboriginal Data was held in Ottawa, Canada from March 29 - 30, 2011. The purpose of the workshop was to examine the current state of data on Aboriginal education and to advise on the next steps to improve the availability of such data on Aboriginal learners across the country. By bringing together Canada's data experts in Aboriginal education, it reflected CMEC's commitment to strengthening existing partnerships and working to improve the available data about and for Aboriginal students. . Ministers of education are committed to addressing issues related to Aboriginal education — through activities such as the workshop and the forum — to encourage knowledge mobilization and transfer, facilitate dialogue, and create new partnerships.

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http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/255/transitions-aboriginal-2010.pdf

Publication Date: 2011-01-13


A literature review that identifies key research findings relating to the challenges facing Aboriginal people as they make the transition from K-12 to postsecondary education was commissioned by the Canadian Education Statistics Council (CESC). The goal of the project is to understand the challenges Aboriginal people face in the transition from K–12 to postsecondary education through a synthesis of the available provincial/territorial and pan-Canadian literature as well as a scan of data available to support further research.
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:27 PM on 01/05/2013
http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/295/Key-Policy-Issues-in-Aboriginal-Education_EN.pdf

Publication Date: 2012-12-19

This report considers how better data and evidence can be developed to support jurisdictions' efforts to improve the academic achievement and attainment of Aboriginal students in provincial and territorial elementary and secondary schools.

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http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/289/2012.11_Promoting_Equality_of_Educational_Opportunity_EN.pdf


Publication Date: 2012-11-16

UNESCO regularly monitors the implementation of the Convention and Recommendation against Discrimination in Education, as adopted by UNESCO's General Conference on December 14, 1960. Canada's response to the eighth consultation, developed jointly by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, highlights the progress that education systems have made in providing access to quality education that is widely inclusive so that all students can participate and succeed to the best of their abilities. The report also discusses the ongoing challenges in achieving equality of educational opportunities in Canada, based on education indicators. The eighth consultation covers the period from 2006 to 2011.
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Donna Meness
www.findmaisyandshannon.com
224 Fans
10:22 PM on 01/05/2013
see page 12:
http://www­­­.cmec.ca­/­P­ublica­ti­on­s/Li­sts­/Pu­bl­icat­ions­­/Atta­chme­n­ts/2­21/­abo­rig­in­al_su­mm­i­t_repor­t­­.pdf

Strengthen­­­ingAbori­g­i­nal Success:Mo­­­ving Toward Learn Canada 2020

© 2010 Council of Ministers of Education, Canada

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CMEC Summit on Aboriginal Education: Summary Report. Strengthen­­­ing ..... support has been capped since 1996 at an increase of 2 per cent per year. ...

http://edu­­­cationis­a­r­ight.c­a/­en­/sec­tio­n/1­1

Inadequate funding has forced the Aboriginal communitie­­­s who administer the Program to make difficult decisions about who can pursue a post-secon­­­dary education. It is estimated that between 2001 and 2006, underfundi­­­ng resulted in over 10,500 students being denied access to post-secon­­­dary education, with an additional 2,588 in 2007 alone. This lack of resources has left Aboriginal students particular­­­ly vulnerable to tuition and ancillary fee increases. While increases in funding for the PSSSP have been capped at two percent per year, tuition fees increased by upwards of seven percent per year, and have more than doubled since the introducti­­­on of the cap in 1997.

In addition, non-Status First Nations and Métis peoples are currently not eligible for funding through the PSSSP, leaving many without the financial resources necessary to pursue post-secon­­­dary education.­­­Regardle­s­s of their place of residence, the majority of Aboriginal graduates return to work in their communitie­­­s and are employed in their field of study, achieving economic self-relia­­­nce and helping to develop healthy and stable communitie­­­s.
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