Journal of American Indian Education, vol. 28, no. 3, May 1989, pp. [1-13]
Description
Findings, consistent with earlier studies, indicate stereotypes being reinforced by unbalanced and under-represented Indigenous writers in literature textbooks.
The file contains further comments by Kathy First Rider. First Rider discusses her experiences growing up on reserve, how perceptions have changed amongst the Blackfoot youth since her childhood, her job educating the children in history and the Blackfoot language, encounters with racism in southern Alberta, and her views on these matters.
The file contains a presentation by Amber Flett. Flett is a Cree-Ojibway student at Catholic Central School in Lethbridge, Alberta. Flett discusses her experiences with loss of culture and racism in a mixed-culture school setting. Flett discusses how she found a support network in school when she moved to Alberta, and stresses that schools need more Native involvement programs.
This file contains a presentation by Doris Fisher and Jackie Esquimox-Hamelin who are employees of the Gazhaadaawgamik Native School, a daycare for Aboriginal children. The purpose of the daycare is to have urban Aboriginal children retain their native languages and cultural identity in a full immersion setting. The presenters state that Aboriginal political leaders need to lobby for permanent responsibility for Aboriginal child care centres across Canada. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
The file contains a presentation by Kristen Many Bears. Many Bears, a grade 10 student at Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Alberta, discusses stereotypes and discrimination. Many Bears also discusses some ways in which racism and discrimination can be addressed.
This file contains a presentation by Kim Fraser and Cathy Bomberry focusing on the self-esteem of Aboriginal youth. The youth need to learn about their culture and classes could be offered in Aboriginal culture, history and language. Fraser also suggests that if high schools and post-secondary education institutions be built on First Nations to less the cultural shock that the youth suffer when leaving their families. A question-and-answer session with the Commissioners follows the presentation.
The file contains a presentation by Wes Whetung and Sanford Cottrelle of Newberry House (a halfway house). Whetung and Cottrelle discuss the prison system and Aboriginal offenders offering a comparative view of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal halfway houses, compensation for former residential school residents, accessible moneys to implement both cultural and non-cultural programs for children and youth, and stereotypes of Aboriginal people in text-books. Commissioners Dussault and Sillett discuss some of the issues raised with the two presenters.