First Nation communities behind schools’ success

May 15, 2012 at 4:53 am (First Nations)

First Nation communities behind schools’ success

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By John Balogh, Times Colonist May 15, 2012

Re: “Aboriginal students find success in Sooke,” May 13.

I was so happy to read the story about the high graduation rates for First Nations children in the Sooke school district. I commend the great work of Kathleen King-Hunt and her colleagues.

One important element missing from the story is that the true driving force for better graduation rates comes from the First Nations communities themselves, and the dedication of the children in those communities. I know that Chief Gordon Planes and the Tsouke community, for instance, have worked tirelessly to raise their graduation rates as part of a wholistic community plan which has also seen the community become leaders in solar energy and sustainable food production, among many community initiatives.

I would have loved to see an interview with Planes or at least an acknowledgement of his community’s leadership on the education front. Without that voice, there may be a misconception that change within First Nations communities is driven from the outside rather than the reality that I’ve observed, which is communities working hard to bring outside institutions, such as school districts, onside to partner with them to achieve success.

Congratulations to the First Nations communities around Sooke, the First Nations students and the Sooke school district for this great achievement.

John Balogh

Victoria

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Rash of suicides prompts B.C. chief to plea for help – British Columbia – CBC News

May 15, 2012 at 3:12 am (First Nations)

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Rash of suicides prompts B.C. chief to plea for help

Cowichan tribes dealing with high unemployment, erosion of rights, says chief

The Canadian Press

Posted: May 14, 2012 7:13 PM PT

Last Updated: May 14, 2012 9:11 PM PT

Read 10 comments10

Cowichan Chief Harvey Alphonse says his First Nation is developing a plan, but they need outside help, too. (CBC)

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Four in two months

From Feb. 26 to April 26, four First Nations males who were living between Duncan, B.C., and Nanaimo, B.C., committed suicide, said B.C. Corners Service spokeswoman Barbara McLintock.

Three of the four appear to be Cowichan members and were in their 20s and 30s, she said, adding the fourth male was 72 years old.

Alphonse said the Cowichan Tribes is developing a strategic plan, “Embracing Life at Cowichan Tribes,” and is asking the federal and B.C. governments to bring in resources to help prevent further suicide deaths or attempts.

Alphonse said a tragic event from his personal life highlights the critical need for immediate government response to suicide issues.

He said he once chose to wait a short time before helping a friend who spoke of suicide, but he made the wrong choice.

“It’s something that I regret to this day,” said Alphonse. “I had asked him to wait for at least half an hour while I delivered some equipment back to the rental place I rented the equipment from and when I had returned, he had already completed the suicide.”

“So I know personally the impact when someone is talking about committing suicide, that it’s important to stay there because you may not have the second chance,” he said.

Appeals to government

Alphonse called on federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan to visit the Cowichan Tribes and start to work with the First Nation on an urgent basis to address suicide prevention.

Alphonse acknowledged that other First Nations across Canada are struggling with equally troubling issues, but Duncan needs to come to Cowichan, “because of the valuable resources — because of our children who are crying out for help.”

Three boys of the Cowichan tribes walk along a road on their reserve near Duncan, B.C. (CBC)

Duncan could not be immediately reached for comment, but a spokesman for federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said her department will contact the Cowichan Tribes in the coming days to offer help.

Steve Outhouse said Ottawa can bring extra resources to the First Nation.

Alphonse said the high unemployment rate in his community, which he estimated at 85 per cent, is contributing to a deepening malaise that has grown deadly.

“There is a sense of hopelessness,” he said.

“We’re at a time where I guess the economy is difficult, there’s high unemployment, many of the inherent rights that we know of are being eroded, for example our hunting rights, our fishing rights.”

The Cowichan Tribes, with 4,500 members, bills itself as the single-largest band government in B.C., and its traditional territory covers the area of Cowichan Valley on the southeast side of Vancouver Island.

Alphonse said the declaration is part of a plan to give band members hope that the epidemic will end.

“It’s devastating whenever an individual is successful,” he said. “It impacts not only the immediate family, but the entire community. That’s where the ripple effect seems to take place.”

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megabonstandard2012/05/15
at 2:21 AM ETMaybe they should integrate fully with the rest of the population rather than living in shared housing over tribe land with govt payouts that lead youth to alcohol and laziness. Hard work and a healthy social life make you feel important. The payouts and land segregation really aren’t helping…Rating5Agree　with comment (15 people agree)Disagree with comment (10 people disagree)Reply Policy Report abuse (0)
Gotcha 10 @standard2012/05/15
at 1:45 AM ETBring this concern to the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance.

Pointing fingers is the East Asian way of doing things, well I am adapting to the evolution of the cultures.

Unemployment (or joblessness), as defined by the International Labour Organization, occurs when people are without jobs and they have actively sought work within the past four weeks.

Break and Enter Criminals lives are precious, as well as the lives of those who can not find work.

The revenue generators seem to be at work again, ignoring humanity as long as the Citizen is squeezed of all their money.

This is a unnamed form of TAX, neglect of the Citizen!

And that is that!

Rating-7Agree　with comment (1 people agree)Disagree with comment (8 people disagree)Reply Policy Report abuse (0)
Yokelmanstandard2012/05/15
at 1:36 AM ETEverybody is struggling today and it is sad but you have pick up the pieces and move on and leaving your home to find work is the solution than you have to pick up an leave.Rating12Agree　with comment (18 people agree)Disagree with comment (6 people disagree)Reply Policy Report abuse (0)
stewie’s momstandard2012/05/15
at 1:29 AM ETmaybe, the chief should take a trip and spend some time and see how the chief in Osoyoos is building and maintaining his reserve with success..It can be done.Rating14Agree　with comment (17 people agree)Disagree with comment (3 people disagree)Reply Policy Report abuse (0)
VanDeckerstandard2012/05/15
at 12:50 AM ETMy job is not who I am, but it is certainly a part.Rating10Agree　with comment (10 people agree)Disagree with comment (0 people disagree)Reply Policy Report abuse (0)

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