AFN Applauds Study On Aboriginal Learning

AFN Applauds Study On Aboriginal Learning

Wednesday, December 09, 2009 at 15:18

 

 

A new report is shedding some fresh light on how Aboriginal people learn.

 

“More Than Just Dropout Rates” is the title of the 80-page document compiled by the Canadian Council on Learning.

 

The report says success in Aboriginal learning is traditionally tied to outcomes in the classrooms — most notably dropout rates.

 

However, the authors say that doesn’t tell the whole story.

 

The report says Aboriginal learning is usually a lifelong process and something tied to culture and language.

 

One of the study’s key findings is that more than two-thirds of First Nations adults living on-reserve have volunteered within their community.

 

It determined that was a key source of community learning.

 

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo says he’s encouraged by the report.

 

Atleo says too many studies tend to focus on the discrepancies that exist between Aboriginal people and the rest of Canada.

 

He believes that is the wrong approach, and feels people should study education systems that are working — like the one being used by the Onion Lake Cree Nation.