Education increases chances of survival

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The general expectation of post-secondary Native students is to acquire skills that will better themselves and the people. It is generally agreed that by looking to education, we stand a better chance of survival.

From what I am learning, I get the feeling that Native people are losing commonly held negative beliefs and opinions about education. These negatives were imbedded in the minds of Native people back in the days of forced schooling. Today, we are no longer forced to go to school; we got by choice.

In many ways we live in an age where only the strong will survive. The "strong" are those who seek education as a step to advancing in this world.

The reason for this should be obvious. Nowadays, we live in an age of computers and technology. There is a need for people to acquire basic skills for the modern workplace.

Native students, more than ever, are looking for education. Some students at Concordia College in Edmonton feel that unless Natives get in, they will always be at the mercy of government handouts that are slowly disappearing as this nation's deficit grows.

Students know that there is need for Native professionals. As we look at the future we realize that step by step we are slowly taking the course of self-determination . Students today, are being readied for tomorrow.

(Darrell Gladue is enrolled in the Native communication Program at Grant MacEwan Community College.)