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Issue #34
September, 2012

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Métis Nation of Ontario

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Source: Métis Nation of Ontario

Summary: In 1993, the Métis Nation of Ontario (“MNO”) was established through the will of Métis people and Métis communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific governance structure.

Some of the goals set out in the MNO Statement of Prime Purpose include:

  • Creating a Métis-specific governance structure for the implementation of the nation’s inherent right to self-government in the province;
  • Establishing a credible and recognized identification system for Métis people within the province;
  • Focusing on ‘nation building’ through working together as a collective in order to support Métis citizens and communities;
  • Pursuing a rights-based agenda and proudly asserting the Métis existence as a distinct Aboriginal people within Ontario;
  • Protecting and preserving the distinct culture and heritage of the Métis Nation in the province; and,

Improving the social and economic well-being of Métis children, families and communities throughout the province.

Relevant Research

Summary report on the CMEC Technical Workshop on Pan-Canadian Aboriginal Data. Improved Data Better Outcomes: Strengthening Pan Canadian Aboriginal Data- March 2011.

http://www.cmec.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/276/cmec-technical-workshop-aboriginalData-summaryReport.pdf

Source: Council of Ministers of Education in Canada (CMEC)

Summary: On March 29 and 30, 2011, the workshop was held in Ottawa to examine the current state of data on Aboriginal education and to advise on the next steps to improve the availability of such data on Aboriginal learners across the country.

Pan-Canadian data should provide information at the provincial and territorial level in such a way that it is comparable across all provinces and territories. At present, the only official data available are from the Statistics Canada surveys that cover Aboriginal populations, such as the Census and the Aboriginal Peoples Survey. Although the provinces and territories individually collect data at the level of local school boards, the differences in definitions and methodologies make it difficult to compare data from one jurisdiction to another.

The workshop brought together technical experts working with Aboriginal data from the provincial and territorial ministries and departments, Statistics Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), NAOs, RAOs, and a number of other stakeholders. Participants at the workshop were people who work directly with data and are familiar with the technical issues involved in harmonizing data across jurisdictions.

The objectives of the workshop were:

  • To share ideas about how to improve the availability and comparability of information on Aboriginal learners
  • To build collaboration among various stakeholders who share objectives relating to Aboriginal data

Key questions explored during the Workshop:

  • What core information is needed on Aboriginal learners that would benefit from cross-jurisdictional comparisons?
  • What are the main gaps in current data?
  • What can be done to address the issue of Aboriginal self-identification?
  • How can the concerns raised by Aboriginal organizations about ownership and control of the data collected be addressed?
Professional Development

Making a Difference for Indigenous Children

http://www.maei-ppw.ca/pdf/maths-trad-new-pracs-hurst.pdf

Source: Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers, Hurst, Armstrong and Young
Focus: Classroom teachers

Summary: The Make It Count project aims to provide better mathematical outcomes for Indigenous children, and, to that end, the Swan Valley cluster identified various initiatives. This paper reports on a research project that investigated those initiatives and resultant changes in practice.

First, a modified First Steps in Mathematics professional learning program was provided for Education Assistants and Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers to upgrade their mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge. Second, elements of best practice in teaching Indigenous children were investigated. Professional learning communities have begun to develop in the wake of the professional learning and there are clear directions for pedagogical practice that may lead to improved student attendance and engagement.

Multimedia

First Peoples – The Legends

http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/Legends-AB.html

Source: American Indians: First People of America and Canada – Turtle Island
Focus: Elementary/Secondary students

Summary: This website is dedicated to all First Peoples of the Americas and Canada, Better known as Turtle Island. It is a student friendly educational site about Native Americans (American Indians) and First Nations.

There are nearly 1400 legends on line and more are being added.

Classroom Practice: Elementary

Online Activities: Iroquoian Longhouse

http://www.rom.on.ca/en/education/online-activities/homes-past-archaeology-iroquoian-longhouse

Source: Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Focus: Intermediate Social Studies

Summary: Ontario Iroquoians are made up of three groups: the Huron, the Petun and the Neutral. The Iroquoian peoples lived in the southern part of Ontario, and had a culture similar to the Iroquois of New York state.

This site allows students to explore and learn about longhouses, explore the villages of the 1600s and draw conclusions.

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