WFN rights

[coffeeFreak]

I think it's time to teach the children we are all the same.

Stop the separate schools for First Nations. Have optional classes where you can select from grade 6 onward if you choose on taking Native Cultural studies. Open to any ethnic group.

This as it currently is in my opinion draws a deeper line in the sand called RACISM.

I guess if we follow your train of thinking than ALL private and charter schools should be disallowed, as they "draws a line in the sand called" ELITISM.

[zookeeper]

I think it's time to teach the children we are all the same.

I think it's time to teach the children we are all different, to have tolerance (tol·er·ance: a : sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own) for those differences. We live in a country mixed with different ethnic origin, religion, personal beliefs and mental and physical inward and outward appearances, and the only way we will ever blend together and get along is to overcome and accept those differences.

This as it currently is in my opinion draws a deeper line in the sand called RACISM.

Racism isn't about growing in to who you are, where you come from or practicing your ancestors beliefs, it's about pointing out what others do with their lives and the expectation that each individual should conform to one mainstream ideal.

[SmokeOnTheWater]

" Respecting differences is the greatest and most difficult of all human challenges ".

[zzontar]

There's always that line between respecting differences and disallowing differences. You guess whether the public schools or the WFN school does which.

[the truth]

can you just imagine if someone wanted to open up a white only school

[coffeeFreak]

First Nations people are also dealing with the generational repercussions of residential schools. Although the schools are now in the past (last one closed in 1996), it doesn't change the damage that was done in terms of connecting education to some very negative and traumatic experiences, such as Christianity, physical and sexual assaults, hunger, sickness and extreme emotional abuse.

The opportunity to pass on language, culture and traditions, let alone basic parenting skills was effectively severed...this occurred generation after generation. Schooling for many Aboriginal people is not perceived in the same way as those of us who grew up in homes where the first day of school was and is considered a rite of passage, a monumental milestone...

Imagine if you will, a cattle truck pulling into your community and rounding up all your 4+ yr old children...some ripped out of parents' arms, some chased and grabbed, some taken without even informing the parents...The last generation to experience that are raising their grandchildren.

Education, to First Nations people, is about changing perceptions and helping kids realize that although their parents and grandparents have had bad experiences, their experience can be different. My hats are off to any support that can help a very troubled people gain back the autonomy they once had...

[grammafreddy]

Excellent post, CF.

[zzontar]

I wonder how many WFN members were affected by residential schools as the closest one was in Kamloops? Regardless, it should never have happened, but again that's in the past and I don't believe the way to move forward is to segregate yourself. Also, compensations are being made: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/200 ... hools.html

Compensation called Common Experience Payments was made available to residential schools students who were alive as of May 30, 2005. Former residential school students were eligible for $10,000 for the first year or part of a year they attended school, plus $3,000 for each subsequent year.

Any money remaining from the $1.9-billion package will be given to foundations that support learning needs of aboriginal students.

As of April 15, 2010, $1.55 billion had been paid, representing 75,800 cases.

The government will also fund a Commemoration initiative, which consists of events, projects and memorials on a national and community level. A total of $20 million will be available over five years.

The Aboriginal Healing Foundation was given an additional $125 million.

Churches involved in the administration of residential school will contribute up to $100 million in cash and services toward healing initiatives.

For years I heard how it's not the money that's important and that they always wanted an apology. The Prime Minister and the Pope have now both given a formal apology and not much has changed. Money doesn't help, neither do apologies, nothing is stopping them now from learning and practicing their heritage, so really, what do they want?

[the truth]

MORE money

[nextimeround]

Does any one know whether the WFN school only serves children of WFN band members or does it accept all First Nation people? There are many thousands of First Nation people in the Okanagan but less than 900 are band members.

[oneh2obabe]

Why is it that first nations have a school of their own that they fought for yet they still school their children at non-wfn schools....but other ethnic groups are not allowed to go to the wfn school?

Try getting your facts straight before posting.

The WFN Sensisyusten House of Learning (junior kindergarten through grade 6) located on Quail Lane is open to ALL denominations. First priority is given to WFN band members but all other first nations and nationalities are welcome to enroll.

[nextimeround]

The WFN Sensisyusten House of Learning (junior kindergarten through grade 6) located on Quail Lane is open to ALL denominations. First priority is given to WFN band members but all other first nations and nationalities are welcome to enroll.

This answers my question, thanks. Good on them for the initiative and fair approach.

[dirtguy]

Try getting your facts straight before posting.

The WFN Sensisyusten House of Learning (junior kindergarten through grade 6) located on Quail Lane is open to ALL denominations. First priority is given to WFN band members but all other first nations and nationalities are welcome to enroll.[/quote]


Hey, take your facts and post them somewhere else,this thread is for wild accusations and hate mongering only.

[zzontar]

The WFN Sensisyusten House of Learning (junior kindergarten through grade 6) located on Quail Lane is open to ALL denominations. First priority is given to WFN band members but all other first nations and nationalities are welcome to enroll.

Do you have any links to back that up?

[coffeeFreak]

Do you have any links to back that up?

There weren't any links to back up the original post, but that didn't seem to bother you in supporting the OP's claim...why are you asking now?