An increasing number of K-12 students in Canadian public schools are Indigenous because the Indigenous population in Canada is growing rapidly. Unfortunately, the high school graduation rate of Indigenous students remains considerably lower than the Canadian average.
Indigenous students across the country also face challenges accessing culturally appropriate programs. All too often, Indigenous students lack the opportunity to learn Indigenous languages, and many non-Indigenous educators know little about Indigenous culture.
While many public schools try to incorporate Indigenous teachings, pedagogy and spirituality into their educational plans, implementation has been inconsistent to say the least. Not all school boards are equally supportive, and some parents object when teachers try to incorporate Indigenous teachings into classroom learning.
Because public schools must serve students from diverse backgrounds, it’s unrealistic to expect them to focus exclusively on Indigenous teachings and pedagogy. As a result, Indigenous students who would like to master languages such as Cree or Ojibway or who would appreciate an in-depth learning environment immersed in the teachings of the Medicine Wheel might not always get what they need.
One alternative is to create independent schools with an Indigenous focus. The problem is that independent schools must charge tuition fees to cover their expenses. Considering that many Indigenous students come from lower-income families, it would be unfair to make them pay tuition fees to get an Indigenous-centred education.
Fortunately, there is another option: charter schools, although this option is currently only available in Alberta. Charter schools are publicly funded but operate outside the authority of public school boards. In Alberta, parents and other community members can apply for a charter from the province if the proposed school has a unique educational focus.
For example, Foundations for the Future Charter Academy operates several campuses in Calgary and offers a traditional, back-to-the-basics approach to academic instruction. Meanwhile, STEM Collegiate in Edmonton caters to students who wish to specialize in science, technology, engineering and math. At-risk students who need a well-designed alternative education program can apply to Boyle Street Education Centre, a charter school in Edmonton.
What all Alberta charter schools have in common is that they must be non-sectarian, hire only certified teachers and teach the provincial curriculum. But they can also teach more than the provincial curriculum. Charter schools cannot charge tuition fees, which makes them accessible to low-income families.
However, as one quickly realizes from looking at the 42 approved charter schools currently operating in Alberta, the educational focus of these charter schools varies widely.
Importantly, charter schools could focus on Indigenous culture. For example, Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School near Warburg, Alta. (about 80 km southwest of Edmonton) operated from 2003 to 2024. It was founded by a group of parents and community members who felt that an education that revolved around Indigenous teachings would be more beneficial for their children than an education with a standard Eurocentric focus.
During the 21 years it was open, Mother Earth incorporated Indigenous languages, culture, knowledge, lifestyle and history in everything that was taught. Instead of merely “infusing” Indigenous ways of knowing into the educational program, Mother Earth based the entire philosophy and foundation of its school on the Medicine Wheel.
At its peak, the K-9 school enrolled as many as 120 students. However, Mother Earth’s remote location and the recent construction of a new K-9 school on a nearby reserve led to dwindling enrolment. As a result, Mother Earth closed its doors at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
However, a group of parents in the area are now hoping to start a new Indigenous-focused charter school in nearby Drayton Valley. The goal is for Roots of Resilience Charter School to open in the fall of 2025. Its focus statement states that Roots of Resilience will provide “an Indigenous context for the operations, teaching style, and community of learning.”
While it’s great to see parents in Alberta opening a charter school with an Indigenous focus, it’s unfortunate that parents in other provinces do not have the same opportunities. Charter schools are a great way to empower parents who want to ensure their children receive an education that meets their unique needs.
Other provinces should look at what is happening in Alberta and pass similar charter school legislation. Charter schools can help parents and other community members take control of their children’s education.
Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and a senior fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
©
The commentaries offered on Â鶹´«Ã½AV.ca are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers. The opinions expressed are those of the authors. Contributors' articles or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any Â鶹´«Ã½AV.ca staff.
