Moving Forward
Much healing has to occur after the horrible events of the past on Aboriginal peoples. One major milestone in moving forward is the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee which started in 2008. The committee wants to focus on the truth, healing, and reconciliation for survivors of the residential schools. In their mandate they say they want to put past events behind them so they can work towards a stronger and healthier future (TRC, 2008). The TRC is very important in helping aboriginal people acknowledge the past injustices but also help them heal and move on to a brighter future.
Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement
The Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement is between a school district, all local Aboriginal communities and the ministry of education. They are designed to enhance the educational achievement of Aboriginal students by making shared decisions and goals to meet their needs. All First Nations, Metis and Inuit students in the school districts involved are in the agreement . The agreement does not just focus on Aboriginal students success but also increasing among all students the knowledge and respect for Aboriginal culture; along with the history and language (Gov't of BC, 2011).
On the BC ministry of education website under school districts with agreements there is a list of 47 schools who have enhancement agreements. Out of the 47 school districts 10 of them have signed their 2 or 3rd agreements. There is a link to each school districts framework for their agreement. Each agreement represents a 5 year vision of success. 32/47 districts have valid agreements that are still in effect. The website shows that 15 district agreements have expired by the date listed. The website does not show if a new agreement is being agreed upon or not. Each school district with an agreement is also required to do an annual report, to provide the people with a sense of how well the goals are being met.
Below is an example of one of the enhancement agreements made. In the agreement framework it outlines the purpose, principals and the goals of the agreement. The example below is from school district 36 (surrey) and the Aboriginal communities in that area. This is their first agreement made, and it expires 2013-06-30.
On the BC ministry of education website under school districts with agreements there is a list of 47 schools who have enhancement agreements. Out of the 47 school districts 10 of them have signed their 2 or 3rd agreements. There is a link to each school districts framework for their agreement. Each agreement represents a 5 year vision of success. 32/47 districts have valid agreements that are still in effect. The website shows that 15 district agreements have expired by the date listed. The website does not show if a new agreement is being agreed upon or not. Each school district with an agreement is also required to do an annual report, to provide the people with a sense of how well the goals are being met.
Below is an example of one of the enhancement agreements made. In the agreement framework it outlines the purpose, principals and the goals of the agreement. The example below is from school district 36 (surrey) and the Aboriginal communities in that area. This is their first agreement made, and it expires 2013-06-30.
With the TRC and the Enhancement Agreements in schools, are these examples meeting the needs of Aboriginal people? The TRC is a great committee, and helps survivors deal with the past and build a stronger future. But why is this commission not more well known? Should people not be wanting to know more, and possibly be more involved?
The Enhancement Agreements are a great step in the right direction. But should you not be asking yourself are these effective in what they set out to do? If they were, should not every student know about the agreements or be able to tell you they have Aboriginal studies integrated into their classes?
These are many questions you can be asking yourself as a teacher, and what can you do to provide a better future.
The Enhancement Agreements are a great step in the right direction. But should you not be asking yourself are these effective in what they set out to do? If they were, should not every student know about the agreements or be able to tell you they have Aboriginal studies integrated into their classes?
These are many questions you can be asking yourself as a teacher, and what can you do to provide a better future.
Resources
Below is a list of websites that can help further your knowledge in this topic. It also can help guide you in your teaching of Aboriginal education.