Module 4 Post #4

The below article, Measuring Success In First Nations, Inuit And Métis Learning, by Paul Cappon (2008) provides some startling facts and some insight into Aboriginal learning.

Cappon (2008) describes how there are many barriers that are affecting First Nations, Inuit And Métis Learning including but not limited to:

–          In 2001 4 out of 10 Aboriginal children under 15 lived in low income families

–          Nearly ¼ of Aboriginal children lived in substandard housing

–          Suicides rates from Aboriginal youths are 5-7 times higher than national averages

Cappon (2008) also mentions that in “2006 almost 48 percent of Aboriginals were under the age of 24” and in the next 15 years an estimated 300,000 Aboriginal youths will enter the work force.

Cappon (2008), further highlights some of the key attributes to of Aboriginal views on learning including:

–          It is holistic

–          It is life long

–          It is experimental

–          It is rooted in Aboriginal languages and cultures

–          It is spiritually oriented

–          It is a communal activity

–          It integrates Aboriginal and Western knowledge.

To learn more about this topic please see:

Cappon, P. ( 2008). Measuring Success In First Nations, Inuit And Métis Learning. Policy Options. Retrieved from: http://www.ccl-cca.ca/NR/rdonlyres/0D0A5FA7-1191-43D9-A46D-F13D7C9BECAB/0/Cappon_PolicyOptions.pdf

Cheers,

Greg Campbell