CTF recognizes the inherent right of Aboriginal peoples to self-government within the country of Canada and the right of the Aboriginal peoples to define the goals of education for their children.
Education has been identified as being critical in improving the lives of Aboriginal peoples and addressing long-standing inequities. CTF recognizes the essential need to implement a more inclusive role and successful educational experience for both Aboriginal teachers and learners. CTF is also very mindful of the positive results that can accrue for non-Aboriginal teachers and students from an education milieu that embraces knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history, culture, language and perspective as an integral part of the learning experience.
Canadian schools, teacher organizations and teacher education programs have much to learn from the professional knowledge of Aboriginal teachers. The CTF was engaged in a research study, funded by a grant from the Canadian Council on Learning which helped to describe the work of Aboriginal teachers in public schools by exploring with the four interrelated aspects:
- their philosophies of teaching;
- their knowledge of integrating Aboriginal content and curriculum
- their experience of racism in education;
- their experience with non-Aboriginal colleagues who provide support as allies in promoting Aboriginal education
Suggested readings
July 12, 2012: Saskatchewan teacher receives CTF Outstanding Aboriginal Educator Award
March 29, 2012: AFN National Chief Responds to Federal Budget - Calls for Continued Work to
Achieve Real Change
March 28, 2012: First Nations and public schools twinning program of the Canadian Teachers' Federation honored by Ashoka Changemakers
March 2012: Article by the Media Awareness Network on the common portrayal of Aboriginal people in the media
July 14, 2011: N.W.T. teacher recognized with 2011 Outstanding Aboriginal Educator Award by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation
March 10, 2010: Study highlights experiences of Aboriginal teachers -- “Racism in education typically denied, ignored and trivialized