Awasis program looking to expand, symposium taking input

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The Awasis Parent Advisory Committee and the Edmonton Public School Board will be hosting an Aboriginal education symposium on Feb. 28. The symposium will discuss the continuation of the Awasis program into the junior high school level.

Currently, Awasis, which is a program teaching Aboriginal culture, history and identity as a regular part of a public school curriculum, is only available at an elementary school level to students at the Prince Charles School.

Harry Supernault, the chair of the Awasis Parents Advisory Committee said taking the program a step further will help give advancing students better ties to their culture as they grow older. It will continue their learning in a "community" atmosphere, he said.

"What we are looking at as a community, is a full package," he said, explaining that incorporating Native history, art, dance, and music into a regular curriculum would benefit the students. For example, he said, why not teach drumming as part of a music class, or traditional drawing as part of an art class. "It's not to entertain them, it's to teach them. It's a way of life for them."

Since Awasis was created by Elders in 1977, Supernault said the goal has been to integrate more Aboriginal components into the classroom teachings. He would like to see more lessons being taught by Elders to the children.

"We want to make a school concept or a curriculum concept where the children are going to grow with ease, not just in regular academic, but with teachings from the Elders," he said.

The symposium is hoped to get input from parents and get the ball rolling on the content of the new program.

Already, Supernault said the response from parents has been great.

"Our school's been bombarded by phone calls," he said, adding that already four classrooms could be filled.

Officials with the Edmonton Public Schools are also optimistic about the symposium.

"This symposium is a great opportunity to bring together all the expertise that is available," said school superintendent Emery Dosdall. "We are going to look at all the alternatives so we can find the right mix for our students."

Supernault said the relationship between Awasis and Edmonton Public Schools is a strong one.

""I'd like to commend the superintendent and his staff for the helping the partnership to grow the way it has been growing," he said.

Gloria Chalmers, a planner with Edmonton Public Schools, said all interested people, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, should attend the symposium. She said schools in Edmonton have been changing and adapting for more than 20 years now, and it is because of community involvement. Any ideas on the new curriculum, or suggestions at the existing elementary school level are welcomed, she said.

"With these programs, nothing is static. It's not written in stone. As we get more information, we adapt," she said.

Elders, educators and community members are encouraged to attend the meeting at the Centre for Education in Edmonton at Kingsway Ave. and 101 St. The symposium runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. . with a round dance and feast to follow at the Edmonton Native Friendship Centre.

If all goes well, the continued Awasis program will begin its junior high school teachings this Sept.