Aboriginal Engagement

When creating a Neighbourhood Learning Centre, partners are committed to work within the mandates of their respective organizations to improve the school success for Aboriginal learners in British Columbia¹. In this regard consider these suggestions to make Aboriginal community engagement successful.

Voice

• Recognize that several nations with different voices may live in one community
• Recognize district boundaries do not match traditional boundaries
• Recognize that families have only recently been invited into education conversations
• Involve all generations in conversations – children to elders
• Visit the local community to speak with the elders
• Ensure all school and district leaders reach out to the local First Nation community on whose territory the school or Learning Centre is situated. (please refer to the policy on the 1701 form)
• Develop relationships that respect culture and tradition for trust to develop

Consultation Sessions

• Host celebrations and feasts as part of consultation sessions
• Recognize that the community will indicate when consultation is complete
• Offer transportation to bring communities members to the site of the discussion.
• Offer childcare to the families who are participating

Programs

• Focus on programs that benefit the whole child and families first
• Consider programs that align with cultural practices, revitalize language, and respect the past
• Considered suit the needs of several generations
• Build on established successful partnerships then widen the circle

Working Together

• Work through barriers together and with patience
• Share fears and challenges
• Illustrate learning from past experiences
• Celebrate successes with the community
• Consult regularly, even after programs are established
• One model does not fit all and diversity of communities should be recognized.