Coast Salish house posts inspire North Vancouver’s Aboriginal education

June 20, 2016

Traditional songs and food marked the North Vancouver school district’s (SD 44) third Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement signing at the Squamish Nation Longhouse today.

Developed over the past year and a half, the agreement further strengthens and supports Aboriginal student achievement and success in the North Vancouver school district.

The agreement will use the wisdom gathered at collaborative sessions in the community, student information meetings, and formal committee meetings with First Nations, Métis and Inuit families, students and Elders.

The agreement is built on the foundations of four “house posts”, which are the stronghold of Coast Salish longhouses and are a representation of the importance of the students, educators and community in the district. The four posts follow the guiding principles of consultation, collaboration, communication and consensus.

These five-year agreements are a commitment by school districts, local Aboriginal communities, and the Ministry of Education to work together to enhance the educational achievement of Aboriginal students through programming that supports First Nations history, culture and language.

This agreement builds on government’s work to include Aboriginal history, culture and perspectives into British Columbia’s new curriculum. To support teachers in bringing Aboriginal content and perspectives into the classroom, government has created a resource guide called Aboriginal Worldviews Perspectives in the Classroom.

Quotes:

Mike Bernier, Minister of Education –

“The North Vancouver school district’s third agreement signing signals their continued commitment to Aboriginal education in their district. With National Aboriginal Day this week, it’s even more important to acknowledge the power and importance of First Nations in our schools and communities.”

Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour –

“SD 44 is committed to providing culturally appropriate education programs that support the academic and personal success of Aboriginal learners. This new agreement will ensure we meet the needs of North Vancouver’s Aboriginal students through responsive and supportive programs that embrace collaboration and promote inclusion, mutual respect and cultural pride.”

Naomi Yamamoto, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale –

“We have seen significant improvement for Aboriginal learners over the past few years, and that progress can be directly attributed to the increased co-operation between First Nations communities, educators and the Ministry of Education. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to ensuring Aboriginal students have every opportunity to explore their passions, develop their full potential and create their own pathways to future success.”

Christie Sacré, chairperson, North Vancouver Board of Education –

“Great work is being accomplished in our school district to support students of Aboriginal ancestry and to embed the First Peoples Principles of Learning into the curriculum for all students. The third Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement demonstrates our commitment to continue with this work and exemplifies our district vision to inspire success for every student by bringing communities together to learn, share and grow.”

Bruce Dumont, President, Métis Nation British Columbia –

“Our goal is for Aboriginal learners to develop a strong sense of belonging and confidence through pride in their cultural heritage and connection with their community. Métis, First Nations and Inuit learners will benefit from enhancing the learning environment so that all learners feel safe and respected and have a positive sense of place. Métis Nation British Columbia will work with traditional Knowledge Keepers to ensure that all learners have academic and social success.”

Vanessa Campbell, Squamish Language Program, Squamish Nation Education –

“Our Elders’ advice was to behave towards the teachers as if you were talking to your parents. This Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement is intended to bring the voices of their parents into our children’s school day.”

Chief Maureen Thomas, Tsleil-Waututh Nation –

“This is one more step towards building a successful future for our youth. This agreement is a collective responsibility between those parties who wish to see our First Nations children succeed in their educational journey, and our Nation is grateful to be a part of this.”

Quick Facts:

• To date, 56 school districts have at least one agreement signed, while 34 districts have signed a second agreement, six districts have signed three agreements and two districts have signed four agreements. In total, 108 agreements have been signed.
• SD 44 has an Aboriginal population of 649 Aboriginal students, or 4.1% of the 16,176 students in the district in for the 2015-16 school year.
• SD 44 recognizes and acknowledges the traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.
• Total K-12 Aboriginal enrolment in B.C. public schools is 67,636, or 10.7% this school year.
• Since 2000, the provincial six-year completion rate for Aboriginal students has increased from 39% to 63%.

Learn More:

North Vancouver School District Aboriginal Education: http://www.sd44.ca/ProgramsServices/AboriginalEducation

Aboriginal Education: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed

B.C.’s New Curriculum: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

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