Band controlled education at a 'crossroads'

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Native educators share concerns, seek answers

The first Treaty 7 Education Conference held Feb. 4 ? 5 at the St. Mary's high school exceeded everyone's expectations.

Over 650 Native educators, politicians, students and interested community members attended the two-day event despite the bitterly cold weather.

Sponsored by the Treaty 7 education steering committee and the Blood tribe education committee, delegates came together to discuss a wide variety of issues in band control of Native education.

Bands are in various stages of band control of Native education said Bobby Breaker, coordinator of education on the Blackfoot reserve and a member of the steering committee.

In the past, bands had operated in isolation and did their own independent studies on the new education move, he said.

An attempt was made in the early 80s to establish an education steering committee to deal with Native education issues but interest was low.

Then two years ago, efforts were made to reactivate a steering committee and many of meetings have been held since. Last August, a group of representatives of each reserve in Treaty 7 started work on a Treaty 7 education conference.

Breaker explained the committee now shares information on a number of education concerns, encouraging "a united front on education in Treaty 7."

Blood Chief Roy Fox told delegates at the opening ceremonies that the theme, Native Education at the Crossroads was appropriate. "We must find a cluster of ideas so that we encourage our students ability to cope and master skills needed in today's society."

Susan Whitney, a trustee for the Sarcee Board of Education, said that there are about 5,000 Native students in the Treaty 7 area. However, about 1,000 pursue post-secondary education. She emphasized "these (statistics) are just rough numbers," but stressed that is why more bands want more involvement in their children's education.

Morris Manyfingers, coordinator of the conference, said in an earlier interview that the conference topics had something for everybody. About 22 topics were covered each day. Workshops were facilitated by Native educators and professionals. Topics included treaty rights and Indian education,. Problems faced by new students entering college and university, to name a few.

Probably the only criticism by delegates was that there was so many workshops to choose from that they were disappointed they couldn't attend all of them.

Social events included a disco dance demonstrated by Stand Off school students under the direction of Blood teachers Olivia Tailfeathers and Evelyn Goodstriker. The Blackfeet Youth Alliance of Browning, Montana also provided additional entertainment on the first day of the conference.

Kenote speakers included Darrel Kipp of Browning and Chief Bernard Ominayak of the Lubicons in northern Alberta.

The Blackfoot band announced their intention to host next year's education conference.