Updated Resource Document_ Education Inequity among Indigenous Communities in Ontario, Canada

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Sophia Yang HSCI 340-D100 Dr. Maya Gislason 16 March 2024 Education Inequity among Indigenous Populations in Ontario (Government of Canada, 2017)

Introduction In the heart of Ontario, Canada, the Anishinaabe and other Indigenous communities struggle with a disparity that perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage—education inequity. At the core of education inequity lies an entrenched system of inequality, rooted in historical and structural determinants, including the Indian Act and other contemporary policies that put the government and educational institutions in power (Trovato et al., 2022). Due to colonization, marginalization, and discrimination, Indigenous populations are more likely to experience socioeconomic gaps, foster care, and incarceration (Government of Canada, 2023). These systems of inequalities intersect to create hierarchies that systematically disenfranchise and disempower these Indigenous communities (Layton, 2023). For instance, these legislations have historically restricted Indigenous languages and cultural practices in residential schools, eroding an essential component to Indigenous health and identity (Government of Canada, 2023). The effects of these laws remain, such as the decline of Indigenous language knowledge (Government of Canada, 2023) and trust of colonial educational institutions. In a 2016 census, Statistics Canada counted only 35,870 people with Ojibwe-Potawatomi languages, part of Anishinaabemowin language, as their mother tongue (Hele, 2020). The limited access to culturally relevant education contributes to cultural dissonance and cycles of poverty, impacting employment, housing and overall well-being (Layton, 2023). These social determinants intersect in a way that creates a vicious cycle of disadvantage for Indigenous communities beyond the Anishinaabe community. Children in crowded housing, lower income households, and rural areas were less likely to complete secondary school or higher education (Landry et al., 2023).These implications can cause a ripple effect, manifesting into poor financial, intellectual, spiritual, mental, and emotional wellness. Addressing Indigenous

education inequity is a crucial step towards resolving other social disparities, such as socioeconomic gaps, unemployment rates (Government of Canada, 2023). This project aims to delve into the perspective of these Indigenous communities. We aim to shed light on the systemic factors and social dynamics that highlight educational inequity for a future of inclusive and equitable education. Learning Resources 1. Indigenous Perspectives Education Guide (Historica Canada, 2024) (Article, 33) For a more comprehensive understanding of Canada’s history, it is important to examine the Indigenous perspectives, which have been neglected in the historical education of this country. This educational guide encourages students to explore the deep, breadth, and diverse regional variations of Indigenous experiences, including the legacy of colonialism and repressive policies to which Indigenous peoples have been subjected. In an overview of Canadian Indigenous history, the guide engages students to critically consider individual and collective perspectives in shaping historical narratives and solutions to equity issues. 2. Equity Podcast Series EP. 5: Indigenous Sovereignty and Right to Self-Determination in Education (El, 2019) (Podcast, 90.59 minutes) Hosted by three Indigenous hosts, this podcast offers perspectives on how education inequity and structural inequalities, such as colonization and racism, continue to be interconnected in modern, post-residential school, Canadian society. One of the hosts, Pamala Agawa, is an Anishinaabe secondary vice principal at a secondary school. Meanwhile, host Diane Longboat and Tanya Senk are also educators with great leadership in educational research,

policy, and delivery. They discuss the consequences of perpetuating stereotypes, the importance of understanding positionality, and how awareness can become a tool in fighting anti-Indigenous racism. Furthermore, the podcast offers insights on how to decolonize the classroom, allowing Indigenous autonomy and self-determination to frame education. 3. Teaching the truth: Why education needs to be informed and led by Indigenous people (Global News, 2021) (Youtube Video, 12.29 minutes) Published in October 2021 by Global News, this YouTube video sheds light on the importance of Indigenous educators in the education system. Indigenous speakers explain the social inequalities and challenges Indigenous students face in culturally-insensitive provincial schooling. The video highlights how historical and political climates can influence the social environment in schooling and how Indigenous-staffed schools can improve the quality of education for Indigenous children. Expressing the importance of Indigenous leadership and self-determination in creating safe environments for Indigenous education, Indigenous speakers also demonstrates how educational tools must also change. Provincial teachers must be more prepared in teaching Indigenous-centered historical narratives and education beyond inaccurate textbooks. 4. The Child Is Capable: Anishinaabe Pedagogy of Land and Community (Rameka, 2021) (Article) This article advocates for decolonizing education by valuing Indigenous Knowledge and pedagogies to address educational inequities. It critiques the Western-centric assessment approach, emphasizing the deficit lens applied to Indigenous learners. It illuminates Indigenous

teaching-learning traditions and the capabilities of Indigenous children. The purpose is to inform educators about culturally responsive teaching-learning-assessment, illustrate Indigenous children's engagement with Indigenous Knowledge, and inspire action to honor relationality in education. The article urges educators to build relationships with Indigenous communities and embrace Indigenous Knowledge for positive educational transformation.It is written by an Anishinaabe researcher. 5. Peace, order and bad education: How Canada is failing remote First Nation students in northern Ontario (Cimellaro & Lakhani, 2023) (Article) Written by an Indigenous journalist, Canada's National Observer highlighted the challenges faced by First Nation students in northern Ontario, who must travel far from their families for high school education. Factors like historical injustices, contemporary inequities, and resource limitations contribute to lower graduation rates. Teacher turnover, lack of culturally relevant curriculum, and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the issue. Indigenous-led initiatives like language immersion programs and land-based education are crucial for indigenizing curricula. The absence of immersion programs and land-based education further widens the gap. Reforms, including incentivizing teachers to stay in remote areas and integrating Indigenous knowledge into education, are essential for addressing systemic discrimination and improving outcomes for First Nation students. 6. Restorative Journey: Indigenous Educational Wellness (oct.ca) (Ontario College of Teachers, 2021) (Report, 100 pages)

Created by a partnership of Indigenous communities, the Ontario College of Teachers, and an Indigenous artist, this report encourages readers to delve into Indigenous perspectives on narratives in history, and personal and professional settings. Learning about Indigenous educational wellness can be inspirational because it offers insights into alternative ways of thinking about education, well-being, and community that prioritize cultural resilience, community empowerment, holistic perspectives, environmental stewardship, and social justice. Through a diverse range of prose, photography, and illustrations, the report forces the audience to reflect on how they engage with Indigenous understandings and the ways they come across it. 7. What matters in Indigenous education: Implementing a Vision Committed to Holism, Diversity and Engagement - People for Education (Toulouse, 2016) (Article) Written by an Indigenous educator and expert, this article explores Indigenous education in Canada, focusing on inclusion, Indigenous pedagogy, and educational interconnections. It discusses the challenges facing Indigenous peoples in education, including disparities in graduation rates and standardized test scores. The interconnected issues of colonialism, racism, and social exclusion contribute to these challenges. Indigenous pedagogy emphasizes connections to culture, hands-on learning, and community involvement. The paper also highlights the importance of holistic approaches to student achievement, incorporating physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual domains. Ultimately, it calls for a more inclusive and culturally responsive education system to support Indigenous learners' success. 8. Anishinabek Education System (AES) Bimonthly Newsletter (Cameron et al., 2022) (Newsletter, 7 pages)

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