Welcome to the third edition of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for First Nations Education in Alberta newsletter. In this edition you'll find updates on the eight sub-tables including a list of sub-table representatives, an update on the next steps to develop a long-term strategic plan, profiles of individuals involved in the sub-tables, and a summary of recent meetings/information sessions. This MOU is about supporting First Nations students, parents, communities and educators and we encourage you to learn more and get actively involved.

Sub-table orientation meeting November 21–22, 2011

Eight sub-tables consisting of over 100 experts and stakeholders from across the province invested their time and expertise to develop options and recommendations for improved outcomes in a number of areas. Members of the sub-tables – representing all partners – conducted research and analysis in key areas relating to First Nations education in Alberta. They have developed detailed recommendations and strategic approaches based on the implementation framework approved by elected officials in January 2011. Reports have been presented to the MOU working group and it is anticipated the findings and recommendations will be presented to the Alberta First Nations Education Circle (senior officials from Canada, First Nations and Alberta) in summer 2012. The development of a long-term strategic plan is currently underway and the valuable research, reports and recommendations made by the sub-tables will inform development of the plan. It is anticipated the strategic plan will be completed by summer/fall 2012.

 

Consultation with community groups, stakeholders and various levels of government has provided direction and the development of foundational cornerstones. These include the development of a mandate, a vision statement and a business plan with short, medium and long–term objectives.

The IKWC continues to refine its work plan and will play an integral role in implementing the long-term strategic plan. Of primary importance will be legal, governance and structural considerations that will ensure the long-term success of the IKWC.

The MOU working group is pleased to welcome MOU Team Lead Clayton Kootenay and three IKWC liaison officers who will continue to establish the IKWC through community consultations.

The mandate of this table was to review current initiatives and best practices while considering issues affecting children and youth, those not attending school as well as youth in custody in the broadest scope. Programs/support levels were analyzed at all levels of government. Sub-table members have examined the social and environmental challenges that impede educational achievement and those considerations were taken into account in the recommendations. Recommendations address resources, First Nations culture and protocols, the role of Elders and other partners while emphasizing the individual and his/her environment.

This sub–table, like the IKWC, is comprised entirely of First Nations members from Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8. They have worked with the IKWC sub–table to ensure direction and clarity of recommendations are compatible. The subtable submitted a broad array of recommendations including the need for a First Nations Education Act and strategies for engaging parents and communities in education.

The data sharing sub–table was tasked with exploring how to share education data between the MOU parties while respecting necessary guidelines. Data sharing must take into consideration many variables such as privacy protection, ownership and use. Because of the complex nature of data sharing, the parties will continue to explore how a data sharing protocol or agreement will be achieved. Data sharing will play an important role in the long-term strategic plan.

 

• comparative education funding analysis;
• education programs and services analysis;
• legislation and policy review;
• recommendations to maximize existing programs and resources; and
• recommendations on accountability and efficiency in First Nation education funding.

The table's report includes a gap analysis in addition to recommendations.

 

This sub–table was tasked with identifying issues and making recommendations to improve the educational outcomes of First Nations students with special education needs. In keeping with specific tasks identified in its mandate, the sub–table has completed a review of current federal and provincial initiatives. Results from a survey given to educators of First Nation students with special needs were combined with an extensive literature review and findings from consultations and presentations highlighting success mechanisms and programs. All of this data is included in the report.

The sub–table delivered recommendations regarding the optimal re-structuring of special education programs and delivery services to maximize benefits for First Nations students with special needs.

art by Lucas Littlechild, Grade 2, Nipisihkopahk primary school

This sub–table has focused on three key issues: retention, recruitment and professional development. With assistance and guidance from the sub–table's Elders, the group has worked on the identification, collection and analysis of existing and historical information – statistical and otherwise.

Extensive information sharing and review has resulted in recommendations that address retention and professional development issues. Recommendations are focused not only on immediate concerns but also on innovative long–term solutions that will introduce new approaches driven by Indigenous knowledge and forward thinking.

art by Madison Soosay, Grade 2, Nipisihkopahk primary school

Improving student transition between First Nations and provincial schools was the primary focus of this sub-table. The group worked on recommendations that will smooth or resolve current challenges students face when transitioning between schools. In the past, "tuition agreements" have often been viewed primarily as financial arrangements.

To counter this narrow perspective, the concept of "educational services agreements" has been developed to promote a broader and more collaborative understanding of these agreements – one where First Nations and provincial school jurisdictions are partners in enhancing the learning outcomes of First Nations students. The sub-table developed recommendations that facilitate the negotiation, interpretation and implementation of existing and new education service agreements.

The sub-table has made recommendations which include clarification and definition of roles, responsibilities and expectations of each level of government or service provider involved.

The MOU working group would like to extend its sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the participants including the over 100 experts and elders who have come together to help the MOU attain its vision of an Alberta where First Nations students are achieving or exceeding the full educational outcomes, levels and successes of all other students in Alberta. The research and recommendations generated by the sub-tables will play a crucial role in guiding the direction of the long-term strategic plan, with an ultimate aim to improve education outcomes of First Nation students.

The MOU working group is pleased to announce that three highly respected scholars, who have made significant contributions to Aboriginal education, have been contracted to assist with the writing of the longterm strategic plan. The team is being led by Dr. Leroy Little Bear and consists of Dr. Diana Steinhauer and Dr. Cora Weber-Pillwax..

The Long-Term Strategic Plan will include identification of immediate, short, medium and long-term actions and the roles and responsibilities of the parties related to implementation of recommendations. The working group plans to present the draft plan to the Circle for review and/or approval in the summer of 2012, with approval from elected officials to follow shortly afterwards.

Orientation Session for New Sub-tables

A second MOU sub-table orientation was held November 21-22, 2011 in Edmonton. Participants reviewed the progress of the Implementation Framework and determined expectations for the new sub-tables. The two-day session also provided an opportunity for members of all sub-tables to meet as a large group and share information and expertise.

Assembly of Treaty Chiefs

An MOU update presentation was delivered at the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs (AoTC) meeting on February 29, 2012. The MOU update was well received by the Chiefs in attendance. They accepted the update by way of motion and have requested a formal presentation on the long-term strategic plan in the fall of 2012. Another MOU update was provided on the IKWC and sub-table recommendations on May 10, 2012 at the AoTC which was also well received.

Community Information Sessions

Since November 2011 the MOU working group has collaboratively provided more than 12 MOU information sessions in communities and at conferences held across Alberta. To schedule an information session for your community or for a list of upcoming information sessions please contact a Director of Education in your area for more information.

PROFILE – Beverly L. Crier

 

Beverly is Maskwâcis Cree from Samson Cree Nation, Treaty 6 Territory. Beverly serves on the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre Sub-table. She strongly believes that the preservation of language, customs and traditions, history and world view are critical for the survival of a nation. Her contribution to the development of the Centre will ensure that First Nation students and community members have the opportunity to learn and enrich their lives as proud Indigenous people.

Beverly is a historian by profession. She has a BA in History with a minor in Native Studies from the University of Alberta, and is currently working on her graduate degree in Heritage Resource Management. From 2003 to present, Beverly has served as coordinator, director and manager of Samson Cree Nation's Culture Portfolio, which includes the nation's museum and interpretive centre, history and archives, and language and culture preservation.

Beverly's research interests include oral history, oral tradition, treaty education, Samson Cree Nation history, and traditional knowledge. She has made two presentations at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education: Oral History "Maskwacis Oral Tradition & History: A Dialogue" in New Zealand, and Traditional Knowledge "Awakening of Stories Unimagined Through Cree Oral History" in Australia.

Beverly has volunteered at Edmonton's Capital EX Kîyanâw Indigenous pavilion as chairperson, co-chair and committee member for the last six years. She does extensive work researching and networking the Maskwacîs Cree syllabary, teaching Cree syllabic classes and transcription and translation. She is also busy with Cree language and culture seminars at Samson, collecting the nation's cultural and heritage material, records management and recorded history.

Assembly of Treaty Chiefs

Government of Alberta

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

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Treaty 8 
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