There’s one word that school board officials think of when they talk about aboriginal education: Pride.
That was the sentiment expressed during a recent review of the Aboriginal Education Annual Report for 2012/2013.
“We have a lot to be proud of in this district,” said assistant superintendent Jim Insley, who delivered the report to the Education Committee on April 2.
The report shows that 334 students in the district are enrolled in the aboriginal program.
It was noted that support workers are making a slow but steady shift from direct academic support to cultural programs. This is a critical step in the district’s goal to offer native students a sense of belonging.
“Our aboriginal families must see their culture embedded in the school in a respectful and sincere manner,” the report states.
Highlights in 2012/2013:
Thirty-three students walked across the stage at the first aboriginal graduation ceremony.
Each school has developed an aboriginal program delivery plan.
An Okanagan language component began at Oliver Elementary School.
In the spring of 2013, First Nations Studies 12 was taught at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School.
The number of curriculum topics offered in the program is increasing. Some include: watershed projects, fisheries, traditional foods, trading, building, digging field trips, deer feast, drum-making, and native dance.
Insley said Natasha Schroeter from Osoyoos Secondary School is involved in developing some new curriculum. For example, there will be more emphasis on aboriginal history and literature.
The district is seeing positive results with much improved academic performance and graduation rates. Insley said the aboriginal graduation rate is 68 per cent. “I remember one year it was 20 per cent.”
He recalled the valedictory address by Osoyoos Secondary School student Ben Quintal during an aboriginal grad ceremony. Quintal described how much the program meant to him.
“The program is growing because of aboriginal pride,” Insley reiterated.
Board chair Marieze Tarr agreed, saying she has noticed an increase in native pride among their students. “I never saw that five years ago.”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
