Ways Native People In Canada Can Have A Brighter Educational Future
Years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission publicized its final report, the federal government is taking steps towards bridging the gap between Aboriginal Peoples and the rest of Canada. However, one major concern for all is how this can be done.
Earlier this month, thousands of people were gathered in Calgary to hold talks about how this gap can be bridged. Educators all over Canada came together to discuss a way forward. Suggestions were made as to how to produce a brighter educational future for the native people.
Five major ideas were put forward by educators in using education as the leading weapon to integrate the native people with other Canadians.
#1. Equal opportunities
In order to shape a brighter future for native people, all federal racial discrimination should be eliminated. The executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, Cindy Blackstock explained that native children should also be treated the same way as other Canadian kids in schools. Young people should be given the opportunity to use the same public facilities. This can be a good start in fostering a closer relationship which will enable a good way in celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday next year.
#2. Know the language
To ensure a better understanding of the native people, Canadians should also try to learn the Blackfoot language so that a mutual perspective can be shared by all. Leroy Little Bear, one of the founding members of Canada’s first Native American Studies Department believes that knowing the language will be of good use to all Canadians.
He said, “Blackfoot is the way to a new science that will bring about tremendous changes in our contemporary world.”
#3. Create safety
One of the ways to make natives feel welcomed and wanted is to make them feel safe. The youth especially should be protected so that they will have a brighter future.
Children should feel safe when they are in school so that they will become more productive.
#4. Take charge of research
Natan Obed, president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami stated that more studies should be conducted to find out more about the native people. Their way of living should also be made known so that the rest of Canada will have a better understanding of the customs and traditions of native people.
Obed added, “We are still a generation or two behind where we are in land claims agreements or in government to ensure that we control, design and can participate and ultimately benefit from research in our communities.”
#5. Respect females
In order for native female children to have a brighter future, they should be protected from becoming part of the sex trade. Girls should be encouraged to go to school and they should not be discriminated by other children.
“We need to work with non-indigenous students to create a culture in Canada that doesn’t view Indigenous girls as disposable and simply sex objects.”
