Philosophy
The Stikine School Board believes that learning to understand and respect cultural differences and similarities is important to the development of all learners.
Students need direct experiences and hands on activities to promote their interest which helps interactive learning. The focus on similarities fosters pride in one’s heritage which can help to increase self-esteem.
Initiatives to Promote Aboriginal Learners’ Success:
1. Enhancement Agreement
The Stikine School District is working toward establishing an Enhancement Agreement.
The intent of an Enhancement Agreement is to improve the achievement of Aboriginal students. It is a tool used for planning and reporting. The process involves all Aboriginal stakeholder groups in decision-making related to developing and monitoring the Agreement.
2. Local Education Agreements
A local Education Agreement establishes bi-lateral understandings related to financial accountability and education services between the School Board and a Band Council. Local Education Agreements lead to improved educational programs and services for Aboriginal students.
3. Aboriginal Language and Cultural Assistants
Aboriginal Language and Cultural Assistants are staff members hired from local school communities for their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal language, culture and traditions. Their role is to act as positive role models within schools and to:
Promote comprehension and fluency in an Aboriginal language Integrate Aboriginal cultural activities with Aboriginal language instruction Assist teachers in developing, preparing, presenting and integrating Aboriginal language/cultural activities into the regular curriculum Work cooperatively with
the school and the community in order to ensure a common direction for the Aboriginal language and culture curriculum
These Assistants support student learning and provide an integral link to the community.
4. Aboriginal Languages
The District has in place an Aboriginal Languages Curriculum Development Committee. This Committee is made up of Education Coordinators and Managers from each of the Band Councils in the district as well as district and school based staff members. The purpose of the Committee is to advise and assist the district in developing appropriate Integrated Resource Packages (IRP) and relevant curriculum for Aboriginal languages.
5. Cultural Activities to Promote Pride in Heritage
The Stikine School District supports Aboriginal cultural and outdoor education programs that instill pride in heritage for Aboriginal learners. These programs also provide relevant and appropriate educational opportunities for non-Aboriginal students. The activities, where possible, are integrated with community camps to enhance student learning through family, school and community contact.
Students take part in traditional food gathering and craft making activities. Fine Arts such as dance and music are encouraged. The Tahltan Dancers from Dease Lake School, for example, perform traditional dances in the Stikine and throughout British Columbia.
5. Celebrating Success
Student success is recognized through awards ceremonies held annually at each school. The district supports National Aboriginal Awareness Day, held on June 21 of each year. Schools promote this day by highlighting Aboriginal culture through various activities including the provision of bannock and buffalo burgers prepared and served by school staff members. |
