By Kellah Lavoie

New elders’ council to boost aboriginal learning

Jun 20, 2011 | 11:45 AM

An elders’ council is being established for the 2011-12 school year.

It’s a new initiative for the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division (SRSD) and an idea that was brought in by the elders themselves, said Tom Sutherland, superintendent of schools.

“They have decided in their wisdom that they would like to work with our teachers and our students, they would like to provide direction to our school boards and how to improve outcomes for First Nations and Métis students,” he said, adding they have already identified elders who would be willing to spend time in the schools.

The idea for the council came after a set of three meetings the elders had to decide how to make life better for aboriginal students. The school division also met with the elders earlier this year.

“They’ve identified what they bring to the school and students,” he said.

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“They’re just willing to become part of our students’ lives and educate them.”

The school division is really excited about the opportunity, said Sutherland, but the details are still very preliminary. There has been no decision on where offices will be, although he clarified that the council will not be paid a salary.

“Elders bring so many gifts, mentorship, the languages, cultural traditions to our youth. We will benefit and have benefitted so much from elders being involved in our schools,” he said.

About 45 per cent of students in the school division are First Nations or Métis, he said. Having elders in the schools helps them succeed.

“We continue to work and follow the achievement of First Nations and Métis students. It is improving, but we are constantly looking at that. We know that our graduation rates of First Nations and Metis students are improving, but we want to work on that and this is one what they will help,” Sutherland said.

“The mentorship and leadership elders can provide to youth will be instrument in helping them do better in school.”

The topic of the elders’ council will be looked at again in the fall, as to how it can best be utilized. He said they have has elders involved for years, but this will formalize their role.

The council is part of a $60,000 expansion of the First Nations and Métis Education plan, much of which was funded by the provincial government.

“We’re so grateful that our local elders have also thought this was important as to what they want to do help with our children,” he said.

klavoie@panow.com