Barriers to Equal Education for Aboriginal Learners: A Review of the Literature. A BC Human Rights Commission Report.

Overview & Synopsis

Education is a fundamental right of all people but, for the Canadian Aboriginal community it is particularly critical for overcoming historical disadvantages. This document reports on a review of barriers to equal education for Aboriginal people. Key barriers to educational equity include issues of control, keepers of knowledge (teachers versus community), the role of curriculum in reproducing social and cultural inequalities, poverty, and overrepresentation of Aboriginal students in special education. The report makes recommendations for achieving educational equity and social justice in the public school system. Shared decision making is needed in the areas of jurisdiction and control of Aboriginal education programs, and for effective Aboriginal parental involvement in the public education system. A forum for Aboriginal youth to have input into their education should be created. The underrepresentation and role of Aboriginal teachers and support staff in the public education system warrants discussion. The impact of the current curriculum and ways of incorporating Aboriginal knowledge, languages, and traditions into formal and hidden curricula should be examined. Cross-cultural and anti-discrimination education for all staff and students is needed. Addressing adverse socioeconomic conditions that create unfavorable learning environments for Aboriginal children is an immediate priority. Finally, there should be a critical examination of why Aboriginal students are disproportionately represented in all special education categories except the gifted category. (Contains 59 references.) (TD)