BCTF Employment Equity for Aboriginal Teachers British Columbia Teachers’ Federation

Basic facts There are 57,753 Aboriginal students in BC. This represents 10% of the student population. We have 200 self-identified Aboriginal teachers. This represents 0.59% of the teaching population. To reach equity, we need 3,218 more Aboriginal teachers in BC public schools. There are 57,753 Aboriginal students in BC. This represents 10% of the student population. We have 200 self-identified Aboriginal teachers. This represents 0.59% of the teaching population. To reach equity, we need 3,218 more Aboriginal teachers in BC public schools. 2

Summary of graduation rates for 2001–02 through 2005–06 3

Having Aboriginal teachers in schools: helps students see role models helps infuse the system with a culture more responsive to the needs of Aboriginal children helps students see role models helps infuse the system with a culture more responsive to the needs of Aboriginal children 4

Employment equity is part of the solution Suicide Aboriginal youth suicides 108/100,000 Average youth suicide rate across Canada is 18/100,000 Rate for Aboriginal youth is six times higher Suicide Aboriginal youth suicides 108/100,000 Average youth suicide rate across Canada is 18/100,000 Rate for Aboriginal youth is six times higher 5

Children in care 1 of 7 Aboriginal children, aged 6-18 years have been in care as compared to 1 of 50 non- Aboriginal children Children in care 1 of 7 Aboriginal children, aged 6-18 years have been in care as compared to 1 of 50 non- Aboriginal children 6

Residential schools 1946—the United Nations stated that residential schools were a form of genocide 1983—the last residential school in BC closed 2008—every Aboriginal child has been impacted by their history Image E courtesy of Royal BC Museum, BC Archives Residential schools 1946—the United Nations stated that residential schools were a form of genocide 1983—the last residential school in BC closed 2008—every Aboriginal child has been impacted by their history Image E courtesy of Royal BC Museum, BC Archives

Facilitating change through language 8

The parties recognize that Aboriginal employees are under-represented in the public education system. The parties are committed to redress the under representation of Aboriginal employees and therefore further agree that: They will encourage the employer and the local to make application to the Human Rights Tribunal under section 42 of the Human Rights Code to obtain approval for a “special program” that would serve to attract and retain Aboriginal teachers. The parties will assist the employer and the local as requested in the application for and implementation of a “special program” consistent with this Letter of Commitment. The parties recognize that Aboriginal employees are under-represented in the public education system. The parties are committed to redress the under representation of Aboriginal employees and therefore further agree that: They will encourage the employer and the local to make application to the Human Rights Tribunal under section 42 of the Human Rights Code to obtain approval for a “special program” that would serve to attract and retain Aboriginal teachers. The parties will assist the employer and the local as requested in the application for and implementation of a “special program” consistent with this Letter of Commitment. 9

Key elements of the plan adopted by the Federation Local committee to oversee the employment equity plan implementation Joint application with school district to Human Rights Tribunal BCTF grant Local committee to oversee the employment equity plan implementation Joint application with school district to Human Rights Tribunal BCTF grant 10

What is an employment equity program? It is a program... that has as its objective the amelioration, or improvement, of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups. It is a special program that aims to promote effective equality and eliminate discrimination. 11 Taken from

Two types of Human Rights exemptions The human rights exemptions we are seeking aim to achieve a workforce that is representative of the diversity in the general population. The intent of the Letter of Understanding is to apply employment equity practices to all positions for the district. The human rights exemptions we are seeking aim to achieve a workforce that is representative of the diversity in the general population. The intent of the Letter of Understanding is to apply employment equity practices to all positions for the district. 12

“[In] order to achieve equity in education the under-representation and role of Aboriginal teachers and support staff in the public education system must be addressed. For one, employment equity and diversity…is crucial to inclusive education and the corresponding issue of power sharing.” 13

“Second, Aboriginal teachers and support staff can serve as role models for Aboriginal students, provide cultural resources for the school culture as well as validate difference for all students.” —(BC Human Rights Commission Report, May 2001, p. 34) “Second, Aboriginal teachers and support staff can serve as role models for Aboriginal students, provide cultural resources for the school culture as well as validate difference for all students.” —(BC Human Rights Commission Report, May 2001, p. 34) 14

Aboriginal teachers teaching all children will make a difference. 15