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POLICY STATEMENT
ON
MALISEET/MICMAC EDUCATION
IN
NEW BRUNSWICK
February 1991
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There is a longing in the heart of my people to reach out and
grasp that which is needed for our survival. There is a longing
among the young of my nation to secure for themselves and
their people the skills that will provide them with a sense of
worth and purpose. They will be our new warriors. Their
training will be much longer and more demanding than it was
in the olden days. The long years of study will demand more
determination; separation from home and family will demand
endurance. But they will emerge with their hand held forward
to grasp the place in society that is rightfully theirs.
THE LATE CHIEF DAN GEORGE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Statement by the Minister
Government's Commitment to the Provision of Quality Education
Maliseet/Micmac Education in New Brunswick
2
Background
Enrollment of Maliseet and Micmac Students in Provincial Schools
Government Response to "Indian Education: Everyone's Concern"
Comments and Recommendations of the Provincial Indian Education
Curriculum Development Advisory Committee
3
Aboriginal Education Policy
General Statement
Guiding Principles
Review of Policy
4
Application of Policy
Policy Applies to Provincial Schools
Legal and Historical Obligations of the Canadian Government
5
Conclusion
The Future of the Aboriginal Youth
Meeting the Challenge
6
Appendix
Implementation Guidelines for the Policy on Maliseet/Micmac Education in New
Brunswick
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ABORIGINAL EDUCATION IN NEW BRUNSWICK
1
Statement of the Minister
The Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all students attending
provincial schools receive an excellent education. The goal of providing quality
education to all students requires the Department to consider the academic, social,
cultural and physical needs of the students within the education system.
An effective education system within a pluralistic society requires that teachers
respond knowledgeably to the variety of their students' learning styles and
community backgrounds. The curriculum, teaching methods, classroom
organization and management techniques teachers choose need to be tailor-made
for each student, as well as to serve the interests of the group as a whole.
This policy statement on Maliseet/Micmac Education promotes a partnership
among Aboriginal people, school boards and the Department of Education in the
delivery of programs and the development of curriculum. We are confident that
this partnership will continue to grow and flourish in our future generations.
The policy statement confirms a commitment to Maliseet and Micmac children to
have the opportunity to benefit from an education which meets their needs.
Aboriginal people, especially parents, should have an opportunity to help guide and
shape the education of their children. Furthermore, Aboriginal young people must
develop a sense of responsibility and a determination to contribute to the
prosperity and the well-being of the First Nation communities and New Brunswick.
Finally, all students, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, should have an opportunity to
learn about the history of the Maliseet and Micmac peoples and their contributions
to New Brunswick.
Minister of Education
February 1991
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2
Background
In the early 1950's, the Provincial government, in conjunction with the Department
of Indian Affairs, introduced a policy of integrating Aboriginal students within the
provincial schools. A general tuition agreement was signed by the two parties
providing for the payment of a fixed tuition amount for each Aboriginal child
attending provincial schools. As a result of this agreement between the
Department of Indian Affairs and the Department of Education, a significant
number of Maliseet and Micmac students now attend provincial schools in New
Brunswick.
To date, the educational experiences of the Aboriginal students within the
provincial schools have not been successful compared to those of their
non-Aboriginal counterparts. The Maliseet and Micmac students have the highest
dropout rate in the province and continue to have low educational attainment. A
number of studies have attempted to identify the factors which explain the lack of
success by the majority of Aboriginal students. These studies have made
recommendations regarding policy development as well as program planning and
implementation.
In the area of policy development, several reports on Aboriginal education in New
Brunswick have made recommendations to the Department concerning the need to
formulate and adopt a policy on Maliseet/Micmac education. For example, the
report submitted by former Indian Education Consultant Malcolm Saulis in July
1984 entitled "Indian Education: Everyone's Concern" recommended that the
"provincial government establish a policy statement on Indian Education." This
report was compiled by the Minister's Study Group on Aboriginal Education in the
Province of New Brunswick. The study group visited the reserves across the
province and held meetings with the First Nation governments as well as interested
community members. Committee members listened to the people's concerns and
views on the education of their children. The recommendations of the report were
based on the concerns and views expressed by the Maliseet and Micmac people.
The Provincial Indian Education Curriculum Development Advisory Committee
(PIECDAC) has also made a recommendation for the Department to adopt a
policy on Aboriginal Education. The PIECDAC was formed by the Department in
response to the growing interest in First Nation language and culture education as
well as the need to improve education in general for Aboriginal students in the
provincial schools. The Committee conducted a survey on Maliseet/Micmac
education and subsequently submitted a report entitled "Indian Education in New
Brunswick Schools - Recommendations for Future Development" (August 1987).
Information was obtained from the school principals, Maliseet and Micmac
education workers, Aboriginal education counsellors, teachers and tutors. Finallv
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the superintendents provided an overview of Aboriginal education in their districts.
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The discussions with the Maliseet and Micmac people and the information
gathered from the different meetings and survey questionnaires administered by the
committees have formed the basis for this Policy Statement.
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Aboriginal Education Policy
Aboriginal contributions to the development of our society, both past and
present, are recognized and respected by the Department of Education. The
Maliseet and Micmac people of the province are historically unique people
and occupy a rightful place in our society today.
The Maliseet and Micmac societies have distinct histories, cultures and lifestyles
which contribute to the educational challenge. They are proud of their heritage
and want to learn in order that they can assume responsibility and continue to
make a positive contribution to society. Thus, the main aim of Aboriginal
Education is to develop the knowledge, the skills and the positive attitudes of
Maliseet and Micmac students so that they will be self-confident, capable and
committed to setting goals, to making informed choices and ultimately improving
their lives and the lives of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities
throughout New Brunswick. The following principles therefore guide the
development of education programs for and about Maliseet and Micmac peoples
by the Department of Education:
That the Department of Education recognize the importance of partnerships
and strong working relationships among schools, Aboriginal people and the
Department. Through partnerships, the quality of education provided to
Maliseet and Micmac students in New Brunswick schools can be enhanced.
That Maliseet and Micmac peoples be given the opportunity to participate
fully in the education system at all levels. This includes the employment of
Maliseet and Micmac professionals by the Department, district offices and
individual schools.
That the education system recognize that Maliseet and Micmac students are
the children of people whose cultures are different from those of the people
who established the school system. These differences, which may include
learning styles, language and world views, should be reflected in curriculum,
programs and teaching methods in the schools attended by Maliseet and
Micmac children.
That Maliseet and Micmac histories, culture and lifestyles should be
included in the studies taken by New Brunswick students. The education
system needs to provide opportunities for students in provincial schools to
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recognize and appreciate Maliseet and Micmac cultures and their many
contributions to our province and society.
That Maliseet and Micmac parents need to be involved in school activities.
Aboriginal parents should be given opportunities to help guide and influence
the education of their children.
That efforts to improve the success of Maliseet and Micmac students in
school are most effective at the school district - First Nation level. The
establishment of local education committees to address students' needs and
parents' concerns is advised.
That the education system establish both short-term and long-term goals
meet the needs of Maliseet and Micmac students in provincial schools.
to
That the Department of Education and school districts provide direction and
leadership in the development and implementation of Aboriginal Education
programs which meet the needs of Maliseet and Micmac people.
That all curriculum and materials present Aboriginal people accurately in
historical and contemporary terms.
The above principles require the Department of Education to develop, implement and
monitor programs and initiatives in the following broad areas:
Maliseet and Micmac participation in the education system.
Curriculum and instructional resources.
Training for teachers and administrators, pre-service and in-service.
Research and evaluation.
Liaison and coordination with other education agencies.
This policy will be subject to review by the Department of Education at least every five
years and revisions will be made in consultation with those directly concerned. These will
include, but not necessarily be limited to
Provincial Indian Education Curriculum Development Advisory
Committee
Maliseet/Micmac Education Consultation Committee
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School District - First Nation Education Committee
First Nation Education Personnel
School District Personnel
Concerned Parents
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Application of Policy
It should be emphasized that the Policy Statement on Maliseet/Micmac Education
applies only to provincial schools and not to ''band" operated or federally
administered schools located within First Nation territories. The federal and First
Nation governments are responsible for the development and implementation of
the educational program within First Nation boundaries. It should also be
emphasized that nothing in the policy and program initiatives of the Department of
Education assumes or diminishes in any way the legal and historical obligations
that the Government of Canada has to Aboriginal people.
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Conclusion
The Policy Statement on Aboriginal Education is a commitment to provide
Maliseet and Micmac students with enhanced opportunities to learn, to grow, to
succeed, and to become confident and responsible individuals, proud of their
Maliseet/Micmac heritage. The Department will continue to help Aboriginal
people and school boards throughout the province to address the challenges
involved in preparing Maliseet and Micmac youth for the future.
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Appendix
Implementation Guidelines
for the
Policy on Maliseet/Micmac Education
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New Brunswick
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Table of Contents
1
Maliseet/Micmac Participation in the Education System
First Nation Participation to Influence the Education System
First Nation Participation Within the Various Levels
of the Education System
2
Curriculum and Instructional Resources
Maliseet/Micmac Content
Developmental Work on Curriculum and Instructional Resources
3
Training for Teachers and Administrators
Pre-Service, Cross-Cultural Training
In-Service Sessions
Orientation Programs
4
Research and Evaluation
Collection of Data for the Development and Implementation of
Maliseet/Micmac Education Programs
Evaluation of Programs and Initiatives
5
Liaison and Coordination
Establishing and Maintaining Contacts
Informing the General Public and the Education Community
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Implementation Guidelines
1
Maliseet and Micmac Participation in the Education System
Excellence in Aboriginal education can be achieved through the sharing of
responsibilities, through strong community partnerships that involve Maliseet and
Micmac people, school boards and the Department of Education. Aboriginal
parents and community members must accept responsibility for representing the
educational interests of their young people. Schools offering education to Maliseet
and Micmac students must accept responsibility for providing education
opportunities that will meet their individual needs and for providing them with
particular experiences that will foster a desire for learning. The Department of
Education accepts responsibility for helping Aboriginal people and schools
throughout the province to prepare Maliseet and Micmac students to succeed in
meeting the challenges of the future.
The Department of Education will encourage First Nation participation in the
education system by taking the following steps:
Working with the school boards, First Nation organizations and postsecondary institutions to help Aboriginal people to influence the education
system at all levels.
Including Maliseet and Micmac people on all appropriate department and
ministerial advisory and policy committees which include representation
from outside the Department.
Developing and adopting an affirmative action hiring policy. The
Department will support and assist school districts in developing
Employment Equity strategies which will increase the number of Aboriginal
people in the education system.
Working with the school boards, teacher training institutions and the NBTA
to assist Aboriginal people in becoming professional educators at all levels.
Ensuring programs in Maliseet/Micmac education funded by the
Department of Education will contain provisions for the employment of
Maliseet and Micmac people.
Encouraging and assisting the development of local school district - First
Nation education committees.
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Curriculum and Instructional Resources
Provincial schools offering educational opportunities to Maliseet and Micmac
students will strive to meet and enrich the students' abilities, interests and talents.
Schools must stress what is vital and important in Aboriginal lifestyles to enhance
the self-esteem and motivation of Aboriginal students. It is essential that subjects
taught to all New Brunswick students should include aspects of Maliseet and
Micmac heritages, views and values so that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students·
can reach a better understanding of each other. Thus, New Brunswick students will
better appreciate the diversity and strength of the Aboriginal contributions to the
development of our society, past and present.
The Department of Education will guide provincial schools toward meeting the
particular and diverse needs of Maliseet and Micmac students and will
With advice and direction from the Provincial Indian Education Curriculum
Development Advisory Committee, develop curriculum for Aboriginal
Education.
Cooperate with First Nation organizations and individuals in the
development of curriculum and materials.
Ensure that Maliseet and Micmac people are consulted on relevant
curriculum and materials.
Include Maliseet and Micmac content in curriculum for all students in the
province.
Use curriculum and materials which concentrate on positive images of
Aboriginal people, in particular the Maliseet and Micmac people and which
reinforce and complement their beliefs and values.
Use curriculum and materials which include both historical and
contemporary issues and which also reflect the legal, cultural, historical,
political, social, economic and regional diversity of Aboriginal people.
Develop and implement programs for Maliseet and Micmac students where
needs are identified.
Develop and implement Maliseet and Micmac language programs where
student numbers warrant and where a qualified teacher is available.
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Develop and implement instructional resources with Maliseet and Micmac
content.
Ensure that recommended instructional resources are evaluated for
stereotyping, bias, racism, omission, and inaccuracies.
Ensure that school boards assist Maliseet and Micmac students who need
special or additional instruction in English as a Second Language.
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Training for Teachers and Administrators
The delivery of Aboriginal education must consider the cultures, lifestyles and
special abilities of Maliseet and Micmac students and the particular communities in
which they live. Educators are models and mentors for all students. They should
be aware of and understand just how their students live and think so that they can
better assist them to reach their potential. The participation of First Nation
education workers, Aboriginal school counsellors, Aboriginal teachers and teacher
aides and Aboriginal elders is an essential part of improving the learning
opportunities for Maliseet and Micmac students.
The Department of Education will attempt to meet the educational needs of
Maliseet and Micmac students by:
Advocating cross-cultural training (including ESL) as an integral part of the
pre-service education for all teachers in New Brunswick.
Supporting the availability of courses about Maliseet and Micmac people for
teachers-in-training, in order to provide them with an accurate knowledge of
the history and cultures of Maliseet and Micmac people in historical and
contemporary contexts.
Developing in-service sessions on Maliseet/Micmac education, particularly in
the areas of
Maliseet and Micmac awareness, e.g., conditions experienced by the
First Nations and issues confronting Aboriginal societies.
Cross-cultural education.
Materials evaluation.
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Methods of teaching Maliseet and Micmac children and teaching
about Native people.
Maliseet and Micmac participation in the education system.
Teaching English as a Second Language/Dialect.
Providing in-seIVice for Department of Education and school district
personnel to strengthen their awareness of Maliseet and Micmac cultures
and lifestyles so that they can better assist Maliseet and Micmac students.
Providing assistance in the development of Aboriginal Education Orientation
Programs to improve and maintain communication and mutual
understanding between a provincial school or school district and the
Aboriginal communities it serves.
Providing assistance to school boards for the appropriate assessment of
achievement of Maliseet and Micmac students.
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Research and Evaluation
The Department recognizes that research and evaluation is a major component in
the process of developing, implementing and modifying programs and initiatives.
The required data and information will be secured by
Research projects and studies on the development and implementation of
Maliseet/Micmac education programs.
Keeping up-to-date on the research that is being carried out by other
agencies in the province and elsewhere.
Evaluating the progress of the Department's programs and initiatives.
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Liaison and Coordination
The Department acknowledges the importance of establishing and maintaining
communication with organizations, institutions and individuals involved in
Aboriginal education across Canada. Formal and informal links will be established
and maintained
With Maliseet and Micmac First Nations.
With the other provincial education departments and ministries in order to
share developments in Aboriginal education.
With First Nation Education Directors and the Superintendent of Education
for the Department of Indian Affairs, Atlantic Region.
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