This paper reviews the meaning and content of various First-Nation self-government discourses that have emerged over the last 40 years. Based on a detailed thematic analysis of policy papers, reports, and self-governance agreements on this issue of First-Nations control of education, this paper presents a coherent and defensible understanding of…

The vitality of most Indigenous languages in North America, like minority languages in many parts of the world, is at risk due to the pressures of majority languages and cultures. The transmission of Indigenous languages through school-based programs is a wide-spread approach to maintaining and revitalizing threatened languages in Canada and the…

Contrasts activities and organizational structures of two Canadian community development initiatives: the Antigonish Movement and the Family of Cape Breton community development corporations. Finds ideological differences in the view of property and profit, governance and accountability, and role of education. Concludes that Antigonish is more…

Traces London, Ontario's community schools from 1968-1984. Describes a system in transition from being centrally controlled by a school board to being increasingly in the control of community volunteers. Reflects on the redevelopment of the community school ideal as responsibility for school operations is placed back in community hands. (BRR)

Discusses the problems of providing a uniform educational system that would enable children of the rural Yukon to move into other Canadian school systems with minimal difficulty. States that northern communities increasingly desire more control over local education. Argues that schools must address both local and national issues to adequately…

Interviews with students, administrators/faculty, and the Cree community in Manitoba explored delivery of postsecondary community-based education. The model of community-controlled education includes Cree culture (indigenous knowledge and traditions), university culture, and the negotiated interface of innovative delivery and instruction and a…

An examination of the relevant literature reveals that "policy" means different things to different people. Among the concepts that emerge when these meanings are reviewed are that policies are intentional, decision-based, goal-oriented, and conditional; they lead to results, balance facts and values, and allocate resources; and they…

Supports the conversion of federal schools to band controlled schools, arguing that education patterns of federal schools are either inadequate or unsuitable to provide the education Indian students need. Outlines development of Indian education from 1600-1933, provides rationale for Indian control, and discusses four problems with band control.…

Synthesizes 30 selections by community education theorists to explore Native and European concepts of community and to develop a model of Native community schools. Describes community school features: community-based research and curriculum, extracommunity awareness, proactive problem solving, educational activism to meet local needs,…

Extensive evidence indicates that the Native family and society are "at risk," having been undermined by the existing non-Native child welfare, education, and justice systems. This paper examines issues in juvenile justice, child welfare, and family services with regard to control by Canada Native communities of their own social…

Discusses goals of parent involvement and suggests effective strategies to involve parents and school officials in the education of Indian and Metis children. Covers current avenues for parent participation that schools provide as well as recent reform-oriented approaches that originate with native groups. (JHZ)

The current directions of elementary school programs for American Indian children are varied, dynamic, demanding and, often, experimental. This booklet presents the trends and expectations of programs offered both in federal and provincial schools attended by Indian and Inuit children in Canada. A brief look at the educational experiences of…

Indian-controlled education programs may be evaluated by involving community members/leaders; administrators/teachers/students; federal-provincial education officers. The advantages include heightening community awareness of strengths/weaknesses in education programs, allowing community control over nature/duration of evaluation, providing ongoing…

Argues for local control of education by Native Canadians. Position based on benefits of parent responsibility, rather than on criticism of Canadian Indian policy or treaties. Examines Indian education history, noting positive examples of Native communities taking educational responsibility. Concludes local control makes good educational policy.…

Modified school years in First Nation schools contextualize the learning process by allowing student participation in traditional, seasonal, outdoor activities. Two case studies in which Hudson Bay area school officials unilaterally reintroduced the conventional calendar illustrate the important roles that First Nations education authorities can…