Equal access to education for Aboriginal children

Raising awareness about the right for equal access to education for Aboriginal children on reserves,
Lady Evelyn students have formed a “Shannen's Dream” working group (kids from grades 3 to 6) and after engaging the entire school community to participate in last April's national day of action (http://bit.ly/sXD298) , they are now ready to move on and reach out to other schools in their neighbourhood. Those schools include the OCDSB, the Ottawa Catholic Board and the French Board. The children are developing presentation materials – a play/dance performance, powerpoint presentations and web materials to reach out to these schools and inspire them to set up working groups of their own. The children are planning a day-long forum where the working groups/delegates from other schools participate and people from the Aboriginal community, as well as community activists who can support the children in the planning of community engagement, will be presenters. Among several goals of raising awareness and mobilizing support for social and legislated change, one of their measurable outcomes will be the number of students/schools who will turn out on National Aboriginal Day (June 21) in support of Shannen's Dream.
This effort is completely student-led with solid support by parent and community volunteers, as well as Lady Evelyn teachers and school administration.

Update (December 19, 2011)

Shannens Dream working group has been working on helping Attawapiskat. We got the subsidy to help make awareness. This page will tell you what we are doing in the working group. Last week we worked on a play, which we will present to other schools. In the play we are sending a silent message that show how Aboriginals have been treated over the years.

Update (January 23, 2012)

On February 14th, 2012

Lady Evelyn Alternative School students in grade 3 to 6 are going to the Supreme Court of Canada to show solidarity with First Nations. We are supporting three causes. First, Shannen’s dream: Shannen lived in Attawapiskat. She wanted a proper school and equal education. Second, Jeremy’s wish: he is a first nation boy with disabilities who lives in Nova Scotia. In order to get social services his mother was told she had to send him to a foster home. She wanted equal services on the reserve. Third, Jordan’s principle: Jordan spent five years in a hospital and died there. The federal and provincial government argued about who would pay for his services at home, on the reserve.
First Nations children and adults deserve the same rights and freedom as any other child and adult in Canada, as outlined in the Canadian Charter of rights and freedoms.

Update (October 13, 2012)

A Student’s Perspective (Aug. 2012)

I think, from taking part in Shannen's dream myself, that this movement does not only benefit First Nations children, it also gives the kids working on Shannen's Dream in school a sense of accomplishment and pride. It especially benefits the younger grades as it teaches them to
look out for one another. Just writing letters, reading speeches or informing friends and family will tell first and second graders that they are part of something important and that they can help make a difference for others. To help fight for the rights of First Nations children does not require great athletic skill or good grades in school.

You do not have to try out and there is no captain or coach on the team. We are all in this together. All you have to show is commitment and a lot of heart. There is no need for you to speak in front of large groups of people if you are not comfortable doing so. Motivation is what has helped keep Shannen's Dream alive and simply staying motivated may help us win our fight.

When I first got involved in Shannen's Dream I had no idea how much it was going to enhance my learning and how much knowledge about aboriginal people I would pick up. I have now been involved in Shannen's Dream for around a year and I am significantly more comfortable speaking in front of an audience. I have currently spoke about Shannen's Dream around a dozen times often when the group is made up mostly of adults. I have watched countless videos about the poverty, drugs, alcohol, residential schools and many other issues in the aboriginal community. Shannen's Dream has taught me about activism and standing up for yours or others rights that are being denied. My plan for the next couple years is to continue being actively involved in Shannen's Dream at Summit and to not stop fighting until First Nations children have their human rights back.

Hope this helps.

Beth (12 years old)