Education of Canadian native children: a first nations' perspective

Abstract

Children are the most precious resource of First Nations. They are the link to the past generations, the enjoyment of the present generation, and the hope of the future. This paper will discuss ideas from the Canadian and U.S. perspectives on how each country has developed mechanisms to safeguard and develop our aboriginal languages, cultures, economies, institutions and traditions so as to determine and control our development as peoples according to our own values and priorities and to ensure the integrity of our societies. The education of our children is one of the most fundamental tools in developing and strengthening self-government in our communities.