Native Education Policy Review

Alberta Learning has initiated a review of Native Education Policy in Alberta. The existing Policy was adopted in 1987 as a result of an extensive consultation with First Nation, Metis and Inuit people across the province. Many worthwhile initiatives including the establishment of the Native Education Project (to encourage the hiring of native liaison workers in the schools and to effect changes in curriculum) resulted from the existing Native Policy. In 1997/98, the Auditor General's Office suggested priority be placed on a policy review in Native Education given the growing native population in Alberta and a need to address issue areas such as educational attainment and unemployment. The scope of the policy review has now broadened to include post-secondary learning issues as a result of the merging of Alberta Education and Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development.

The purpose of the Native Education Policy Review is to determine and define the role, responsibilities and jurisdiction of Alberta Learning in the education of First Nation, Metis, Inuit and other Aboriginal learners, and establish directions in legislation, policy and regulation in the delivery of programs and services to First Nation, Metis and Inuit learners.

The review is being conducted through a partnership between Alberta Learning and First Nation, Metis and Inuit people. Contracts with the three main treaty areas in Alberta (6, 7 and 8), the Metis Nation of Alberta Association, and Metis Settlements General Council have been signed or are being developed to allow for extensive consultations in the Aboriginal community.

An Advisory Committee with representation from First Nation and Metis organizations and other key stakeholders in education, post-secondary education, industry, community and government has been established to assist Alberta Learning in the policy review.

A report to the Minister of Alberta Learning on the outcomes and recommendations of the Native Education Policy Review is expected by September 1, 2000.

We value your participation in the review. ATA members, school support staff, high school students, School Advisory Council and members of the public are invited to participate. A schedule of meeting dates is provided below. If you are interested in attending one of the scheduled meetings we would ask you to contact Native Education Policy Review staff in one of the following manners:

By phone (780) 427-2043 or toll free at the Government rite number 310-0100

By fax (780) 415-1377 By e-mail to Anita Hodgson: ahodgson@edc.gov.ab.ca

The following is a list of locations, dates and meeting times:

  • Grande Prairie Inn, February 8, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm
  • Peace River Sagitawa Friendship Society Centre, February 9, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm
  • Edmonton Canadian Native Friendship Centre, February 15, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm
  • Red Deer Gate Memorial United Church, February 16, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm
  • Medicine Hat, Miywasin Centre, March 6, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm
  • Lethbridge, Sik-ooh-kotoki Friendship Centre, March 7, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm
  • Calgary, Native Friendship Centre, March 8, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm
  • St. Paul, Mannawanis Native Friendship Centre, March 13, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm
  • Fort McMurray, Nistawoyou Friendship Centre, March 14, 1–4 p.m. or 7–10 pm