SAY 2013 Education Directory Form

Available now, the SAY 2013 Education Directory Form! If you would like your Institution listed in the 2013 Education Guide for Native Students (Directory Listing), please fill out the form below and return to info@saymag.com.

Download SAY 2013 Education Directory Form

National Chief Shawn Atleo

A Message about Education from National Chief Shawn Atleo

At the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly in December 2009, First Nations leaders and youth issued a clear statement to make education a priority and to reaffirm our collective goal of First Nations Control of First Nations Education.  It was followed in June 2010 when the AFN issued a Call to Action on Education resulting in a number of activities to raise the importance of this issue and to advance our approach. In our Call to Action we have echoed the voices of our predecessors in calling for the implementation of First Nations jurisdiction over education. 
 
More than three years ago Prime Minister Harper apologized to the survivors of residential school and committed to work with First Nations on a path forward of reconciliation.  At the recent Crown/ First Nations Gathering, the federal government confirmed their commitment to work with First Nation on a path forward in education.  Canada’s decision to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples on November 12, 2010 provides an excellent framework for advancing our shared interests in improving First Nations education.

Education has been an instrument of oppression used against us, focussed on the removal of our identities, the fracturing of our families and the elimination of our ways of communication, thinking and being.

Our challenge today is to work together to overcome the past, to set about a commitment to reconciliation, respect and prosperity – mutual hope and opportunity.   Now is the time to turn education from an instrument of oppression into a tool of liberation.

Our people are driving change more than ever before.  It’s the kind of energy and determination that young Shannen Koostachin showed us. Shannen’s home was from none other than Attawapiskat.  At 13 she convinced her classmates to cancel their grade 8 graduation trip and head to Ottawa instead to make the case for a school. She knew that a cold mouldy classroom was never going to prepare them for success in the modern world. Her efforts spawned a movement called Shannen’s Dream that invites kids across all communities to learn more about this urgent call – a call for fairness, equity and justice in First Nations education.

The Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation have launched a human  rights case to ensure equitable funding for First Nations children with special needs.  Grand Council Treaty #3 has launched a court case to ensure that treaty commitments to education will be fulfilled. Our people are raising their voices like never before to make sure that all of our people have access to high quality, culturally relevant education.  

Education is the key to unlocking the full potential of First Nations citizens.  It is the key to ensuring the continuity and growth of our languages and cultures; it is the key to better health; it is the key for improved economic opportunities; and it is the foundation for strengthening our nations. 

Our vision is clear: Education based on our rights. Education that protects and nurtures our children. Education that values our languages and culture. Education that is fair and equitable. Education that gives our people the same opportunities for success as all other people in Canada. 

We must advance our own solutions now.  We must uphold our Aboriginal and Treaty rights and we must demand equity and results for our children.  We can all agree that our children deserve fairness, justice and the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and their goals.  This is our ultimate objective for this work.

Our job at the AFN is to create the space and the urgency for action.  We have the whole country focused on First nation education right now – and that is exactly what we need.  We have our own and unique solutions and we must now secure a commitment to investment in our kids now.

Then the hard work begins, turning Shannen’s Dream into safe and “comfy” schools, as Shannen described her dream, with predictable, adequate and stable funding, supported by strong First Nations systems, delivering a curriculum that respects our languages and identities and strengthens the fabric of our families, clans and communities.    It is something that must happen. Our kids deserve a good education.  That’s the bottom line and that’s the first priority in an agenda for change. 

Respectfully,

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

Bullying

A few statistics about child bullying

- A child is bullied every seven minutes;
- 1 out of 3 kids is bullied;
- Over 180,000 students miss school daily for fear of being bullied;
- 85% of all bullying cases have NO intervention;
- Since 1981, the suicide rate for kids under 15 has increased by 70%.

The issue of child bullying has received a lot of attention in the media lately, but one thing that often seems to be missing is exactly WHAT actions parents and students need to take NOW to stop the bullying.

Since 2003, Champions Against Bullying has worked to raise awareness and provide kids, parents and educators with workshops, programs and tools to deal with this growing problem.

Everyone knows that school bullying and youth violence is a major issue and recent tragic events have shown how dramatically victims are being impacted.

Champions Against Bullying would welcome the opportunity to share with you specific strategies and tactics that parents and educators and students can use TODAY to effectively deal with bullying at school.
www.championsagainstbullying.com/

Lastest

Issue 42

Leadership

Featuring Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation, AFN Special, Leaders and Achievers, "2011 NAMA Artist of the Year" Gabrieal Ayala, "2012 NAAA Arts Winner" Adam Beach, an interview with Chief Clarence Louie, Sovereign Native Youth Leadership Program plus much more.

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Issue 41

Blending Technology and Science

Featuring Val Kilmer, Ali Fontaine, Theoren Fleury's Coloumn, achieving Business Success, plus much more.

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