Aboriginal Learning

This page provides some quick links to a variety of information on Aboriginal learning.

Related CCL Reports & Data

Be our friend! (on Facebook)

The State of Aboriginal Learning in CanadaAre you a fan of CCL’s Aboriginal Holistic Lifelong Learning Models? Now you have a new place to express your appreciation—Facebook. CCL now has a Facebook page for its First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learning Models, and it’s the perfect place for individuals and organizations to share their experiences using the innovative and internationally acclaimed models. Just click on the link, become a fan, and head to the Discussion Forum to share your experiences using the models; whether it’s related to teacher training, community planning, curriculum development, measurement purposes or simply personal reflections.

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Videos

Reading the FutureSuccess stories: Turning the page on low literacy
Daisa Allurut has one main goal: to graduate high school before her two young children. Originally from Nunavut, she now attends adult high school in the nation’s capital. Daisa regularly works to improve her literacy skills not only inside the classroom, but also in the community. The Reading the Future video series consists of first-person accounts of six inspirational adults who have worked to overcome low literacy.

Promising PracticesPromising Practices
Membertou First Nation: How a Cape Breton Mi’kmaw community helped reinvent itself through adult education and training. The Promising Practices series highlights effective lifelong learning practices across Canada.
Reports
The State of Aboriginal Learning in CanadaThe State of Aboriginal Learning in Canada: A Holistic Approach to Measuring Success
Until now, a comprehensive framework for measuring Aboriginal learning has been unavailable in Canada, or, in fact, most of the world. The State of Aboriginal Learning in Canada: A Holistic Approach to Measuring Success represents the first application of such a framework and marks an innovative approach to measuring Aboriginal learning in Canada.
(December 2009)
Redefining How Success is Measured in First Nations, Inuit and Métis LearningRedefining How Success is Measured in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Learning
This report outlines the key characteristics of holistic lifelong learning for First Nations, Inuit and Métis and identifies data gaps and challenges that limit non-Aboriginal understanding of Aboriginal learning. It also presents three Holistic Lifelong Learning Models for First Nations, Inuit and Métis and proposes how each model can be used to develop a national, holistic framework for measuring lifelong learning. (June 2007)

The State of Adult Learning and Workplace Training in CanadaSecuring Prosperity through Canada’s Human Infrastructure: The State of Adult Learning and Workplace Training in Canada
This report focuses on how adult learning —all forms of learning undertaken by adults beyond initial education and training — can help to foster a more secure future for Canadians and Canada. (September 2009)

State of Learning in Canada 2008State of Learning in Canada: Toward a Learning Future
This report provides an overview of how well Canadians are equipped to meet the demands of our collective future. (July 2008)

State of Learning in Canada 2007State of Learning in Canada: No Time for Complacency
This report examines Canada’s state of learning in early childhood, at school, through adulthood, in the workplace and for Aboriginal Peoples, with a special feature on literacy that touches on all these areas. (January 2007)

Knowledge Exchange Initiative

Commissioned Reports

Funded Research

Aboriginal Learning Knowledge Centre
Holistic lifelong learning models
First NationsFirst Nations
For First Nations people, the purpose of learning is to honour and protect the earth and ensure the long-term sustainability of life. To illustrate the organic and self-regenerative nature of First Nations learning, the holistic lifelong learning model uses a stylistic graphic of a living tree. Find out more »
MétisMétis
The Métis understand learning in the context of the “Sacred Act of Living a Good Life,” a perspective that incorporates learning experienced in the physical world and acquired by “doing,” and a distinct form of knowledge―sacred laws governing relationships within the community and the world at large―that comes from the Creator. Find out more »
InuitInuit
The Inuit Holistic Lifelong Learning Model uses a stylistic graphic of an Inuit blanket toss (a game often played at Inuit celebrations) and a circular path (the “Journey of Lifelong Learning") to portray the Inuit learning journey and its connection to community well-being. The model is available in Inuktitut and English. Find out more »
Minerva Lecture Series

The Minerva Lecture Series was created to foster discussion between Canadian learning researchers and citizens from across the country. The Minerva Lecture Series is a unique opportunity to understand how research can inform and affect learning for all at different stages of life.
Lorna Williams

Weaving words: Enhancing the learning of Aboriginal students
Dr. Lorna Williams, University of Victoria
Lessons in Learning

Lessons in Learning Lessons in Learning is published to provide Canadians with independent information about 'what works' in learning. Read articles related to Aboriginal Learning in Canada.
Practically Speaking series
Practically Speaking is a series of feature-length articles highlighting promising practices related to CCL’s five themes. The following profiles focus on Aboriginal learning.
Nunavut SivuniksavutNunavut Sivuniksavut: Learning about life and culture in the classroom
The transition from high school to the workforce or post-secondary studies is a pivotal moment for any young person. But for Inuit youth it has historically been an especially tough voyage, fraught with cultural obstacles on top of the more traditional challenges. For the past two decades Ottawa’s Nunavut Sivuniksavut Training Program has been confronting these issues with courses that deftly balance academics, real-world like skills and Inuit culture and heritage.
The Skownan Vision Seekers InitiativeSeeing the path: The Skownan Vision Seekers Initiative
The Skownan First Nation has grappled with a number of challenges in its relatively short history, including an 85% high-school dropout rate. A decade ago, when it came time to do something about it, the residents of the rural Manitoban community eschewed government experts and consultants in favour of a community based program that proved to be both inspiring and effective.
The Ravens Alternative Education programTaking flight: The Ravens Alternative Education program
For years educators and Elders have looked for new and effective ways to combat the high dropout rates among Aboriginal high-school students. In 2003 April Shopland and Ken Lees decided to do something about it. The result was The Ravens, a unique program on Vancouver Island that was designed to help re-introduce Aboriginal students to a love of learning.
Releases
Profiles in Learning

Profiles in Learning is CCL’s ongoing series of feature articles exploring the unique lives and learning experiences of eminent Canadians.
Buffy Sainte-Marie

Beyond protest
Buffy Sainte-Marie's other career as an e-learning pioneer, November 13 2008

Joé JuneauFrom pro to peewee
Joé Juneau brings the power of teamwork to Quebec's north, June 12, 2008
James BartlemanFrom Port Carling to Queen’s Park
James Bartleman’s journey, March 29, 2007
 Premier Paul OkalikPremier Paul Okalik
Learning to balance tradition and the modern world, March 8, 2007
Other pertinent links

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Aboriginal Learning Knowledge Centre

The Aboriginal Learning Knowledge Centre profiled and advanced the most current knowledge and exemplary practices in First Nations, Métis and Inuit learning. Learn more...

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