My Discussion Paper on Governance for an Aboriginal Focus School provides a sampling of literature surveyed for the purposes of identifying attributes of governance applied in successful Aboriginal schools which may be suitable for an Aboriginal Focus School.
Drawn from two major studies and additional literature, this review moves from a description of the current Milieu in Aboriginal Education and Models of Governance commonly represented in mainstream circles to specific examples of Governance in Successful Aboriginal schools which have worked in conjunction with public school districts. The review concludes with a discussion surrounding Key Success Factors found in the major Society for Advancement of Education studies of 2004 and 2007 and closes with the view that successful governance is a story about Good Relationships and What is Educationally Best.
Slide Presentation
Governance in Successful Aboriginal Schools by Rasunah Marsden
Additional Media: Traditional Governance
In this video, Tom Happynook of Huu-ay-ut First Nation explains how traditional leaders are raised to learn the qualities and values of leadership. He also explains how traditional governance in his community is more democratic than the Canadian election process:
Learn More: Additional Resources
- Governance in First Nations communities is often reflective of traditional governance practices, some of which may be centuries old. The education of First Nations children is recognized as borne by the whole community, and is a major priority forwarded by the Assembly of First Nations. A selected bibliography of readings in traditional Aboriginal Governance has been prepared for the National Centre for First Nations Governance.