 Building Student Success with Aboriginal Parents
“Building Student Success with Aboriginal Parents” (BSSAP) was launched in the 2004-2005 school year to encourage Aboriginal parents and families to engage in the education process of their children and youth. The program is based on the principle that Aboriginal children will have more opportunities and achieve greater success when parents and families support their education. This year, the Province allocated $400,000 to 38 projects aimed at increasing the involvement of Aboriginal parents and families in schools across the Province.
Here's some information on St. James Collegiate's funded project...
Targeted Outcomes:
To build a stronger sense of self-efficacy among aboriginal students.
A Native Studies course was initiated in February 2007 ran again in February 2008. Parent – student – teacher triad conferences were held with a number of the Aboriginal students and their parents. The response from the Aboriginal parents was very positive. Students led the conferences discussing their portfolios that included ongoing work. Students were an integral part of planning course activities based on their interests and backgrounds.
BSSAP funds were also used to financially assist students in their academic and athletic endeavours as a means of connecting students to the school and the community.
To build a stronger sense of community between aboriginal and non-aboriginal students and families.
Although attendance at our Aboriginal Student Group remains primarily for aboriginal students, field trips and other events have grown to include non-aboriginal students as well. We have found that this has been a proactive way of encouraging dialogue and understanding among our entire school population.
The Native Studies course over the last two spring semesters has also been a way of bringing aboriginal and aboriginal students together to build a common understanding.
One of our Grade 11 Aboriginal students attended the United Nations Conference on Indigenous Peoples in New York in December, 2007.
We published and/or posted information before and after any student events in our school newsletter, yearbook, and on the school Bulletin Boards – as a method of building communication ties with all of our students.
To strengthen partnerships between the aboriginal community, parents, and the staff and educators of St. James Collegiate. This includes community elders, aboriginal organizations, aboriginal role models, etc.
Once again we were able to host a number of workshops and plan a number of field trips that were well – attended by our aboriginal and many of our non-aboriginal students.
Such activities included:
* Aboriginal games – Oak Hammock Marsh Education Program
* Tipi Teachings – Oak Hammock Marsh Education Program
* Circle of Life Thunderbird House – Teaching Sweat followed by lunch at
the Manitoba Metis Federation
* Rob Aptegon (Cultural Advisor) – Circle of Life Thunderbird House
* Michael Many Eagles – Soapstone Carving Workshop
* Moccasin Trail Dance Troupe – Dreamcatcher Workshop
* Moccasin Trail Dance Troupe – Drum Workshop
* Moccasin Trail Dance Troupe – Pow Wow Demonstration including singers, dancers, and a drummer. The Pow Wow was followed by lunch provided by Bessie’s Kitchen.
Staff attended a number of relevant professional development workshops sponsored by local organizations with a focus on Aboriginal Education. BSSAP Fall Gathering, (Dr. Martin Brokenleg – Circle of Courage, Manitoba Teacher’s Society Annual Conference.
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