Action Plan on Education in the Context of Treaty (APECT)
APECT Working Vision
The goal of APECT is to create a First Nation-owned and driven education system, guided by the Treaty Relationship, based on the principle of Indian Control of Indian Education; which enhances and protects all First Nation languages and cultures and improves the quality of education and education outcomes for First Nation people living in Saskatchewan.
APECT Resource papers (click on the links):
“Scoping Paper” Towards an Action Plan on Education in the Context of Treaty (Soonias, 2009)
Action Plan on Education in Treaty Context Paper (Oakes, 2010)
APECT Elders’ Gatherings: Foundational Wisdom of Traditional First Nations Education (Callele, 2010)
APECT Resource Paper: Promising Practices in Education for First Nations Students (Jimmy 2011)
APECT Community Dialogues 2010-2011: Findings (Callele, 2012)
APECT Phase I: Traditional Elders’ Gatherings
Between November 25, 2009 and March 24, 2010, five Traditional Elders’ Gatherings were held. Seventy-four, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and one Independent First Nation represented the four Saskatchewan language groups: Cree, Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda, Dene and Saulteaux (Anisnabek). These gatherings included a total of 96 Elders who participated and shared their wisdom. In this way, knowledge of traditional First Nations education and valuable guidance was collected from the key community partners who have a stake in influencing learning outcomes for First Nations across the K-grade 12 education programs on reserves in this province.
Seven overarching themes emerged at these gatherings and serve to outline the foundational requirements for a strong and effective First Nations Education System.
APECT Elders’ Gatherings Seven Common Themes:
1. Holistic Life-long Learning is the Key to Self-sufficiency
2. Relationship with Languages
3. Relationship with Spirit
4. Relationship with Community
5. Relationship with all First Nations Language Groups
6. Relationship with the Land and Natural World
7. Relationship of First Nations and Western Knowledge
APECT Phase II: Round Table for Elders and Directors of Education
During Phase II of APECT some of the Elders, who attended the APECT Elders’ Gatherings in Phase I, were invited to meet with those who First Nations communities depend on to deliver their educational requirements. On November 18, 2010, thirteen Elders met with the Directors of Education at Wanuskewin to review the findings of Phase I, to fill any gaps in the findings and to offer further direction to the technicians assembled. There was simultaneous translation available in Cree, Dene and Saulteaux so that people could speak in their own language and be understood by all. The Elders expanded on each of the APECT Common Themes and clearly stated that these were not recommendations, but instead were the directions of the Elders.
APECT Phase III: Community Dialogues
Phase III of APECT includes five Community Dialogues slated for 2010-2011. They are scheduled to be held at North Battleford (Dec. 1, 2010), Prince Albert (Jan. 13, 2011), Fort Qu’Appelle area (Jan. 25, 2011) Yorkton (Feb. 1, 2011) and La Ronge (Feb. 22, 2011). The stakeholders invited to the Community Dialogues are:
Chiefs of First Nations and Education Portfolio Holders
Education Commission Chiefs
Directors of Education
Chair of Education Board/Authority
Principals and Teacher reps.
Local Elder for the school
APECT Technicians
Questions for the Stakeholder Break-out sessions:
1. What would change in our schools when the directions of the Elders are implemented?
2. What would a First Nation Education Model in the Context of Treaty look like?
3. What barriers might be faced during implementation?
4. How might these barriers be addressed?
APECT Phase IV: Drafting the system design for the APECT First Nations Education Model
Phase IV of APECT is projected for April 2011 through March 2012, pursuant to receiving the requisite funding. During this phase, the original APECT Phase I findings, the feedback gathered in Phase II and III and all of the academic research compiled in each phase, will be analyzed and used to design the APECT First Nations Education Model. This model will then be presented to the SIETC for feedback.
For more information please contact:
Mary Callele B.Ed., M.Ed.
Senior Policy Research/Analyst
Education and Training Secretariat
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
Asimakaniseekan Asikiy Reserve
Suite 100 – 103A, Packham Avenue
Saskatoon, SK , S7N 4K4
Phone: (306) 956-6918
Email:
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