B.C. gets good grades in supporting Aboriginal children’s education

In an article published in The Vancouver Sun, columnist Daphne Bramham discusses gaps and gains for B.C.’s aboriginal children. First the good news – we are heading in the right direction in the field of education. The article highlights findings from a C.D. Howe Institute report published in 2014 by SFU professor John Richards, “Are We Making Progress? New Evidence on Aboriginal Education Outcomes in Provincial and Reserve Schools.” Richards attributes higher high-school graduation rates for B.C. Aboriginal children compared to other parts of Canada to a few factors:

• extra funding to school districts for Aboriginal students
• curriculum enhancement to include more culturally appropriate material
• and better tracking of students’ performance in order to provide more help where needed

The high-school drop-out rate for on-reserve students in 2011 was 40.7 percent in B.C. compared to the national average of 58 percent. The off-reserve dropout rate for B.C. Aboriginal students is 25.4 percent compared to the 30.2 percent national rate. But although B.C.’s rates are better than Canadian averages, they are still dramatically higher than non-Aboriginal children. The high school drop-out rate for non-Aboriginal children is 10%. Poverty remains one of the biggest barriers to children learning. United Way is a partner in the early childhood initiative Success By 6. Success By 6 has dedicated $1 million towards implementing an Aboriginal Strategy with the funds distributed to 20 initiatives in BC. The intiative recognizes the importance of culture, language, self-determination and self-government to Aboriginal peoples in BC and is working with Aboriginal communities to enhance the lives of young Aboriginal children and their families. An example of a resource developed under this strategy is the The Granny and Grampa Connections Box. The resource is a collection of cultural treasures that illustrate how culture and language are critical aspects in caring for, teaching and raising young Aboriginal children. The resource also emphasizes the important role grandparents play in raising children.