our-year program at Walpole Island and Kettle and Stony Point First Nations’ schools dramatically raised literacy rates

The Canadian Press reports that a four-year program at Walpole Island and Kettle and Stony Point First Nations’ elementary schools has dramatically raised literacy rates. Once well behind provincial standards in reading and writing, students are exceeding those standards in some cases as of 2014. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin said he is impressed and hopes other reserves across Canada can emulate the program. He hopes the federal government will invest in similar programs as there is nothing holding First Nations children back if given adequate resources and teaching. Since leaving politics, Martin has been a vocal critic and advocate for education in First Nations communities.