Currently there is a severe lack of research on autism and Indigenous people in Canada. This scoping review explores this literature gap and assesses the same literature from an Indigenous perspective. Scoping reviews are an effective means to explore the literature in a specific area, in this case, autism and Indigenous people in Canada. We…

Synthesizes 30 selections by community education theorists to explore Native and European concepts of community and to develop a model of Native community schools. Describes community school features: community-based research and curriculum, extracommunity awareness, proactive problem solving, educational activism to meet local needs,…

Examines the success of a Shuswap Indian community in reducing its alcoholism rate from 95 percent to 5 percent. Analyzes and categorizes the community organization methods used by tribal members in relation to the methods of Rothman and Tropman, Alinsky, and Freire. Contains 13 references. (SV)

Explores the example of the indigenous Innu community in Labrador, Canada, in relation to past and present patterns of exploitation of land and stigmatization of language and culture by European colonizers. Examines how the Innu community has invested time and effort to wrest control of their lives from non-Innu. Describes how this process has…

This paper addresses issues relevant to international development programming, particularly with reference to distance education programming in indigenous communities of the Canadian north. A major issue in international programming is the role of the community. Without the participation of indigenous peoples as partners in program design and…

This paper discusses the status of the endangered Kwak'wala language on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and efforts to revive it. Kwak'wala, also known as Kwakiutl, belongs to the Kwakiutlian group of the Wakashan language family. Following a description of Kwak'wala's historic decline and current status (mostly elderly speakers comprising…

For the Aboriginal peoples of Ontario, literacy is a process involving not only individuals, but also the whole community. Literacy leads to development and empowerment, which contribute to self-determination. Once the wards of the federal government, Aboriginal communities now are assuming more control over their own affairs. Education, including…

Argues for local control of education by Native Canadians. Position based on benefits of parent responsibility, rather than on criticism of Canadian Indian policy or treaties. Examines Indian education history, noting positive examples of Native communities taking educational responsibility. Concludes local control makes good educational policy.…

This literature survey was conducted to provide information on Aboriginal language learning and teaching in Alberta. Specifically, it provides an overview of the current literature relating to: the language-to-culture connection, aboriginal language pedagogy and instructional practices, and parental and community involvement. The Aboriginal…

Examines selected Native American child welfare programs in Canada that emphasize community control. Explains genesis of community programs after traditional systems perceived as agents of colonization. Concludes Native control can empower communities and encourage responsive service but explains how problems--including funding, jurisdictional…

This paper explores the emerging relationship between distance education and sustainable development. After ranging through the literature on sustainable community development, this essay concludes that above all it must be unified: it must combine the traditional economic criteria for success (profits and employment) with a fusing of community…

This paper presents highlights from surveys of some of Canada's most isolated schools, located in northern Labrador, Nunavut, northern Saskatchewan, and northern and interior British Columbia. Most served Inuit or other First Nations communities. Although all schools had contact by phone and most had e-mail, few were accessible by road. Five Inuit…

Academic discourse relating to the cultural relevance of indigenous education is ever expanding both nationally in Canada and internationally. Reflecting upon recent research data as well as lived experience as a teacher educator in Nunavut, I offer a critique of some well-established beliefs connected to considerations of culturally appropriate…

Traces trends in Aboriginal education in Northwest Territories (Canada) since the early 1980s when the territorial department of education committed itself to locally controlled, culture-based education. Examines local accountability, culturally relevant curriculum, role of elders, native language instruction, Aboriginal teacher education, dropout…

Conditions on Canadian Native reserves are often blamed on a lack of education, the assumption being that education automatically leads to a better life. On the contrary, reserve conditions are partly due to assimilationist education. Successful Native education depends on both Native control and content based in Native culture. Contains 24…