Mokasige: Redeploying a Colonial Institution to Reaffirm and Revitalize Algonquin Culture

Historically, Canada's educational policy for Indigenous populations has focused on assimilation, which has had a negative effect on indigenous cultures and peoples. In this paper, through an examination of existing literature and an ethnography of Kitigan Zibi Kikinamadinan, a modern Native sc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of native education 2013-01, Vol.36 (1), p.77-94
Main Author: MacLellan, Frances
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Assimilation
Canada
Canadians
Community
Culture
Curricula
Education
Educational Attainment
Educational Environment
Educational Policy
Ethnography
Graduation rate
Indians
Learning Processes
Native culture
Native education
Native North Americans
Native students
Population policy
Poverty
Professional relationships
Research methodology
Schools
Students
Studies
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Summary:Historically, Canada's educational policy for Indigenous populations has focused on assimilation, which has had a negative effect on indigenous cultures and peoples. In this paper, through an examination of existing literature and an ethnography of Kitigan Zibi Kikinamadinan, a modern Native school, the author examines the possibilities for the future of Native education. The Indian Control of Indian Education (ICIE) document, released 40 years ago, argued that culturally sensitive education that connects Native students to their heritage can help build feelings of positive self-esteem and identity, giving them the confidence to succeed in life, both within and outside their communities. In turn, this helps combat issues of poverty and culture loss among Natives. This process is exemplified at Kitigan Zibi Kikinamadinan, which has graduation rates on par with Canadian averages. The process is a role model for other Native communities who wish to implement the education system set out by ICIE and redeploy this once-colonial institution to better serve their people.
ISSN:0710-1481