Indigenous Transmission of Education to validate identity, value systems and Language Revitalization. WELCIEM C.G.Claxton M.Ed. Major Project Thesis

IY’SCACEL, Good day, my ancestral name is WELCIEM that was given to me in a formal ceremony witnessed by community members at the Tsawout Longhouse. In his book, “A National Crime”, Milloy (1999) provides a chronicle of policies practiced by the Federal Government since 1879 to 1980 with regards to education of the Indian child. I will reference from his book in condensed bullet form noting years and practises “ a pedagogical strategy that made school sites of ontological struggles seen most clearly in their attack on aboriginal language.” “Department of Indian Affairs officials in 1944 after reviewing the state and record were convinced that Residential Schools should be closed and that segregated aboriginal education should be by integration and guardianship. This process led to Provincial schools serving as a social service function, deeming students could not be returned to family homes because it was determined by Department of Indian Affairs that the homes were neglectful homes. These policies created the road to Foster care families in the Social Service Industry.

First nations brief outline of resilience to the objective. White, J.P.1. (2009) provides and notes historic Indigenous opposition to Federal Government control of education and culminates to united Indigenous position against the released 1969 White paper eliminating all special legal status for Indians. This action created a unified front from Indigenous leaders with education being the key and the fiduciary responsibility associated towards education. The Native Indian Brotherhood in 1972 put out a position paper lobbying for increased local control of education to which the Government eventually acquiesced and accepted the position paper in principle. The devolution of authority carried very little control, excepting Northern Quebec due to a Land claim settlement with a detailed agreement containing detailed provisions on education. This benefitted the Cree and Inuit populations, creating a School Board with the power to develop culturally appropriate curriculum using Indigenous language for transmission of instruction.

The sovereign right to control your own destiny will bring you self-esteem and pride in your identity.