Objective
The CMEC educators' forum was to provide an opportunity for educators, researchers, government officials, representatives of Aboriginal organizations, and community members to talk about what works for Aboriginal learners in early childhood education (ECE) and K–12 education. The forum encouraged the sharing of knowledge, facilitated dialogue, and created opportunities for new partnerships.
Note: Simultaneous interpretation was provided for all plenary sessions.
Day 1 – Thursday, December 1, 2011
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration (Riddell Hall)
1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Opening prayers (Riddell Room)
- Elder Levinia Brown (Inuit Nation)
- Elder Mary Courchene (First Nation)
- Elder Norman Fleury (Métis Nation)
1:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Welcoming address (Riddell Room)
- The Honourable Nancy Allan, Minister of Education, Manitoba
- Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President, University of Winnipeg
- Dr. Andrew Parkin, Director General, CMEC
1:45 – 3:00 p.m.
Opening plenary panel (Riddell Room)
Moving Forward: Ensuring the Success of Aboriginal Students
- Darren McKee, Executive Director, Saskatchewan School Boards Association
- Eleanor Bernard, Executive Director, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey
- Brenda Humchitt, Principal (retired), Bella Bella Community School, British Columbia
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Health and nutrition break (Hall Lockhart)
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Breakout presentations 1
(Simultaneous interpretation provided where indicated.)
Session 1-1 (Lockhart 1L11)
(Simultaneous interpretation provided)
A: Aboriginal Education in Ontario – Supporting First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Student Achievement
Presenter: Alayne Bigwin, Aboriginal Education Office, Ontario Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
B: Best Practices in Tripartite Agreements in Aboriginal Education
Presenters: John Kershaw and David Roberts, 21st Century Learning Associates Inc.
Session 1-2 (Lockhart 1L07)
A: Dancing with the Elephant: Teacher Education for the Inclusion of FNMI Students
Presenter: Dr. Sherry Peden, Brandon University
B: We Are All Treaty People: A Case Study of Mandatory Treaty Education in Saskatchewan
Presenters: Simone Gareau, Saskatchewan Ministry of Education
Session 1-3 (Lockhart 1L04)
A: An Overview of the Northwest Territories Aboriginal Student Achievement Initiative
Presenters: Roy Erasmus, Dan Daniels, and Angela James, Government of the Northwest Territories
B: Aboriginal Adult Literacy Assessment Tool
Presenter: Ross Grandel, Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network Inc.
Session 1-4 (Lockhart 1L12)
A: Building In the Missing Pieces: Adult Education Strategies that Work
Presenter: Melanie Roberts, North West Regional College
B: Mawkinumasultinej: Working Together to Enhance Mi'kmaw Student Learning
Presenters: Dr. Lisa Lunney Borden, Dr. Jeff Orr, and Dr. Elizabeth Munroe, St. Francis Xavier University; Laurianne Stevens and Denise Toney, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey
Session 1-5 (Lockhart 1L13)
A: Indigenous Perspectives in Educational Experience
Presenter: Kevin Lamoureux, University of Winnipeg
B:
Recognizing and Nurturing the Talent of Lost Prizes
Presenter: Dr. Ken McCluskey, University of Winnipeg
5:00 – 6:15 p.m. (Lockhart Hall)
Poster sessions
6:30 p.m. (Riddell Room)
Dinner
8:00 p.m.
Optional activity provided by the University of Winnipeg
(Convocation Hall – Space is limited.)
Public lecture delivered by Wade Davis, Visiting Scholar and Fellow, Master's in Development Practice, University of Winnipeg.
Topic: Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
Day 2 – Friday, December 2, 2011
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast (Riddell Room)
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Opening prayers (Elder) (Riddell Room)
9:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Plenary panel (Riddell Room)
Partners in Aboriginal Education
- Rt. Hon. Paul Martin, Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative
- Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President, University of Winnipeg
- Kevin Chief, Coordinator, Innovative Learning Centre, University of Winnipeg, MLA for Point Douglas
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Health and nutrition break (Lockhart Hall)
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Breakout presentations 2
(Simultaneous interpretation provided where indicated.)
Session 2-1 (Lockhart 1L04)
A: Biomedical Youth Program: Head Start Aboriginal Science Education
Presenter: Francis Amara, University of Manitoba
B: The Nexus Between Aboriginal Program Development and Leadership: the Kivalliq Science Educators' Community (KSEC)
Presenter: Jim Kreuger, Kivalliq Science Educators' Community
Session 2-2 (Lockhart 1L07)
A: Proud to Read: Successfully Supporting Early Literacy Development in the Innu Community of Pessamit
Presenters: Dr. Lori Morris, Université du Québec à Montréal; Victoria Riverin, Communauté innue de Pessamit
B: Catching Future Dreams: First Nations K4 Transition to Kindergarten Initiative
Presenters: Lee Walsh and Jacqueline Roy-Patterson, New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Session 2-3 (Lockhart 1L11)
(Simultaneous interpretation provided)
A: Revitalization of the Teaching and Learning of the Innu Language, Tshakapesh Institute, Uashat (session presented in French)
Presenters: Yvette Mollen and Rose-Hélène Arseneault, Institut Tshakapesh
B: VOICE for Children and Youth
Presenter: Dr. Karen Rempel, Centre for Aboriginal and Rural Education Studies
Session 2-4 (Lockhart 1L12)
A: Evidence-Based Aboriginal Education Research: Lost in Translation – a Case Study
Presenters: Dr. Marlene Atleo and Dr. E. Richard Atleo, University of Manitoba
B: Kaw Tay Whee School: Using Data and Engaging Programming to Guide Transformational Change and Student Success
Presenters: Lea Lamoureux and Neil Penney, Yellowknife Education District No. 1 and The Dettah District Education Authority
Session 2-5 (Lockhart 1L13)
A: Supporting an Equitable Funding Framework — A Funding Formula for First Nation Elementary and Secondary Schools
Presenters: Nancy Doddridge, First Nations Education Council (FNEC), and Jarrett Laughlin, Assembly of First Nations
B:
Creating a Culture of Competence
Presenters: Dr. Sharon Friesen, University of Calgary; Brenda Gladstone and Candace Saar, Galileo Educational Network
12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch (Riddell Room)
Plenary panel (planned in collaboration with the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation) (Riddell Room)
Programs, Policies, and Practices for Student Success
- Brett Legault (Métis Nation)
- Karen Aglukark (Inuit Nation)
- Darcy Joseph Tootoosis (First Nation)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Riddell Room)
Plenary session
Key Policy Issues in Aboriginal Education: An Evidence-Based Approach
Dr. Jane Friesen and Dr. Brian Krauth, Simon Fraser University
Many jurisdictions are increasingly looking to formal evidence to aid their decision making about programs and policies that affect Aboriginal learners. In this setting, an improved and more widely understood evidence base can help make better choices, call attention to promising opportunities, and enhance accountability. This presentation will discuss the limitations of the existing evidence base, identify key barriers to generating and sharing evidence, and propose concrete steps forward.
3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Breakout presentations 3
(Simultaneous interpretation provided where indicated.)
Session 3-1(Lockhart 1L11)
(Simultaneous interpretation provided)
A: AVID: A Potentially Promising Program for Aboriginal High- School Students
Presenter: Dr. Reuben Ford, Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC)
B: From Apology to Reconciliation: A Residential Schools Survivors Social Studies Project
Presenters: Greg Pruden and Karen Courchene, Manitoba Education
Session 3-2 (Lockhart 1L07)
A: Puppets and iPads — Holistic Early Learning Assessment
Presenters: Jarrett Laughlin, Canadian Council on Learning; Calvin Racette, Regina Public Schools
B: Data-Driven Decision Making in First Nation Schools: A Case Study
Presenter: Dr. Ronnie Miller, Professional Development Seminars, Inc.
Session 3-3 (Lockhart 1L04)
A: Receptivity to Postsecondary Education among Aboriginal Students in Grade 12
Presenter: Dr. Boris Palameta, Social Research and Demonstration Corporation
B: Alternative Secondary-School Programs within Native Friendship Centres Program — An Effective Partnerships Model
Presenters: Sylvia Maracle, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC); Alayne Bigwin, Aboriginal Education Office, Ontario Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Session 3-4 (Lockhart 1L12)
A: Walking Together: A Strategy for Indigenous Student Success – Community Learning
Presenter: Kevin Chief, Coordinator, Innovative Learning Centre, University of Winnipeg, MLA for Point Douglas
B: Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative
Presenter: Dr. Carlana Lindeman, Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative
Session 3-5 (Lockhart 1L13)
A: The Fourth R: Uniting Our Nations Programs for Aboriginal Youth: Building Engagement and Healthy Relationships in a Culturally Relevant Framework
Presenters: Dr. Claire Crooks, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH); Laura Elliott, Thames Valley District School Board
B: Engaging and Empowering Aboriginal Youth to Promote Academic Success and Overall Well-Being
Presenters: Dr. Claire Crooks, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH); Angela Snowshoe, University of Western Ontario
4:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Health and nutrition break (Lockhart Hall)
4:45 – 6:00 p.m.
Breakout presentations 4
(Simultaneous interpretation provided where indicated.)
Session 4-1 (Lockhart 1L12)
A: Partnerships and Practice: PEI's Journey to Improve Mi'kmaq Learner Educational Outcomes
Presenters: Darrell DesRoches, Prince Edward Island Department of Education and Early Childhood Development; Allan Gillis, Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island; Kelly Cuan Edwards, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
B: Labrador School Board – ABE Project
Presenter: Wayne Watton, Labrador School Board
Session 4-2 (Lockhart 1L07)
A: Elder in Residence: Making a Difference
Presenters: Calvin Racette and Elder Betty McKenna, Regina Public Schools
B: A Journey toward a Holistic Approach to Aboriginal Education
Presenters: Neill Johnson and Reid Hartry, Louis Riel School Division
Session 4-3 (Lockhart 1L04)
A: Programming for Change
Presenters: Renée McGurry and Vincent Solomon, St. James-Assiniboia School Division
B: Programming for Change
Presenters: Renée McGurry and Vincent Solomon, St. James-Assiniboia School Division
Session 4-4 (Lockhart 1L11)
(Simultaneous interpretation provided)
A: A Culturally Relevant Program (Session presented in French)
Presenters: Josée Goulet and Amélie Lainé, Regroupement des centres d'amitié autochtones du Québec [association of native friendship centres]
B: Decolonizing and Indigenizing Our Schools' Aboriginal Education in the Toronto District School Board
Presenters: Dr. Susan Dion, Faculty of Education, York University; Cathy Pawis, Toronto District School Board
Session 4-5 (Lockhart 1L13)
A: National Inuit Education Strategy
Presenter: Natan Obed, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
6:15 p.m.
Closing prayers (Elders) (Riddell Room)
(Simultaneous interpretation provided)
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Poster sessions (Lockhart Hall)
Day 3 – Saturday, December 3, 2011
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast (Riddell Room)
9:00 – 9:10 a.m.
Opening prayers (Elder) (Riddell Room)
Welcoming address
The Honourable Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Northwest Territories
9:10 – 10:30 a.m.
Plenary panel (Riddell Room)
Aboriginal Education in the North: Challenges and Successes
- Kathy Okpik, Deputy Minister, Department of Education, Nunavut
- Dan Daniels, Deputy Minister, Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Northwest Territories
- Pamela Hine, Deputy Minister, Department of Education, Yukon
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Health and nutrition break (Lockhart Hall)
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Breakout presentations 5
(Simultaneous interpretation provided where indicated.)
Session 5-1 (Lockhart 1L07)
A: (Re)educating our Teachers: Teaching Aboriginal Topics at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT)
Presenter: Angela Nardozi, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
B: Essential Skills for the Workplace
Presenters: Bev Kulach and Ted Amendt, Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Session 5-2 (Lockhart 1L12)
A: Measuring Cultural Connectedness as a Protective Factor in Aboriginal Adolescent Mental Health: The Utility of an Aboriginal-Specific Measure of Enculturation
Presenters: Angela Snowshoe and Dr. Claire Crooks, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Centre for Prevention Science
B: Programs and Practices that Make a Difference
Presenters: Margo Greenwood, National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health; Shirley Tagalik, Inukpaujaq Consulting; Mary Burgaretta, British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society; Margaret Joyce, Kitikmeot School Operations, Nunavut Department of Education
Session 5-3 (Lockhart 1L04)
A: Old Crow Experiential Land-Based Culture Camp
Presenters: Kerri Ceretzke and Stanley Njootli Sr., Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
B: The SAGE Program: Using the Wilderness to Improve First Nation Student High-School Completion Rates
Presenter: Jeff Horvath, Canadian Rockies Public Schools
Session 5-4 (Lockhart 1L11)
(Simultaneous interpretation provided)
A: Métis Education Kit, Métis Nation of Ontario Resource Development and Engagement to Improve Classroom Practice
Presenters: Scott Carpenter and Dr. Chris Paci, Métis Nation of Ontario
B: Métis Nation of Ontario: Transforming Educational Pathways
Presenters: Dr. Chris Paci and Benny Michaud, Métis Nation of Ontario
Session 5-5 (Lockhart 1L13)
A: Punnichy Career Transitions Program
Presenters: Julie Bedel, Donna Nurse, and Larry Bedel, Punnichy Community High School, Horizon School Division
B: Community-Based Summer Camps Across Canada
Presenter: Rhonda Taylor, Frontier College
12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch and concluding remarks (Riddell Room)
1:30 p.m.
Closing prayers (Elder) (Riddell Room)
(Simultaneous interpretation provided)
- Elder Levinia Brown (Inuit Nation)
- Elder Mary Margaret Osborne (First Nation)
- Elder Mary Courchene (First Nation)
- Elder Norman Fleury (Métis Nation)