Province Provides More Money for Education Programming
- EFN Staff | January 07, 2014
The province of Saskatchewan is providing $3 million for two initiatives that aim to improve education outcomes for First Nations and Métis students.
The initiatives are based on recommendations made by the Joint Task Force on Improving Education and Employment Outcomes for First Nations and Métis people.
Gary Merasty, Chair of the Task Force, spoke at the official announcement, noting the task force members tried to be pragmatic and practical when identifying the existing gaps but also looked at the assets that currently exist in the provincial and Aboriginal schools.
"And look at how those assets can best fill and address a lot of the gaps. And, I'm very pleased that this is the approach that the partners have embraced going forward. I encourage them to continue their work together," he said, noting he would like to see a multi-year plan.
The $3 million will be evenly split between expanding an already existing program and ensuring support services at on-reserve schools are on par with those offered at off-reserve schools.
The already existing program to be expanded to include another 100 on- and off-reserve schools is called "Help Me Tell My Story," and at its core is a stuffed turtle mascot named Askî, who is there for the assessment part of the program and returns for the review. The program aims to support parents to be "teachers in their own homes."
Maureen Taylor, Superintendent of the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division, says the program, and the turtle, have already made a big difference for First Nations and Métis children, as well as their families.
"We have seen non-communicative children run to hug him and say, 'He's back! He's back!', much to the amazement of their teacher," noted Taylor. "We've had parents come to school to hear about the results and see the parent portal, only to leave and return an hour later with their spouse."
The remaining $1.5 million will expand services including speech language pathologists or reading and math coaches.
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Bobby Cameron said the announcement illustrates a good working relationship where all parties are working toward the common goal of a better life for everyone in the province.
"What this signifies is that progress can happen," said Cameron. "What's going to have a positive impact for our people, whether we're First Nations, Métis, or non-First Nations people."
Métis Nation - Saskatchewan President Robert Doucette noted the funding will help students retain their language and culture through learning and telling their own stories.
"Our languages are really important to us...I've made an effort to make sure that my children and grandchildren will be speaking the languages of their forefathers and foremothers."
Saskatchewan Education Minister Don Morgan acknowledged at the announcement that First Nations and Métis education falls under the federal government's jurisdiction.
", we think it's important to tear down some jurisdictional walls," he told the media, noting the province would not get into the business of building infrastructure, but would consider providing money for programming.
The province aims to have these enhanced programs implemented for the beginning of the next school year.
Previously implemented and recommended by the Joint Task Force was driver training education for on-reserve schools.