First Nations Education Issues

The BCTF has produced two discussion papers on issues related to the education of First Nations students.

One of the papers raises questions stimulated by Resolution 120 from the 1997 BCTF AGM, such as Should there be “pullout” cultural programs for aboriginal students? Are our schools inclusive? and Who should define the nature of targeted programs for aboriginal students?

The other paper is called “First Nations Education and School Staffing.” It addresses questions related to the collective agreement and staffing policies for programs created through targetted aboriginal education funding.

Both papers are available on request from the BCTF Research Department. Members are invited to express their views on the issues raised in both.

In September all teachers will receive a copy of a booklet explaining the current treaty-making process under way in B.C. The intention is to provide information that will assist teachers in answering questions about treaty negotiations that may arise from public controversy as negotiations proceed.

The booklet is a joint project of the First Nations Education Steering Committee, the BCTF, and the Tripartite Public Education Committee (First Nations Summit and the Canadian and B.C. governments) with support from the B.C. Treaty Commission.

Larry Kuehn, BCTF Research