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Métis Nation British Columbia strives to increase opportunities for Métis students, families and communities and build better lives through education. Mainstream education systems have failed Métis on a number of fronts. They have not only failed to foster Métis cultural pride or identity, but high school completion rates continue to lag for Métis students in comparison to the non-Aboriginal population. Those who leave high school early are not able to fully participate in employment and the economy. Education is a vehicle for enhancing the life and opportunities of individuals as well as a means to achieve collective goals. Métis education represents the opportunity not only to achieve economic renewal but also cultural renewal. As the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996), notes, the destiny of a people is intricately bound to the way its children are educated. Education is the transmission of cultural DNA from one generation to the next. It shapes the language and pathways of thinking, the contours of character and values, the social skills and creative potential of the individual.
The government of British Columbia signed the Métis Nation Relationship Accord with Métis Nation British Columbia in May 2006. The accord aims to close the gap that exists between Métis Nation and other British Columbians in health, housing, education, economic opportunities, collaborative renewal of Métis tripartite processes and Métis identification and data collection. Métis Nation British Columbia collaborates with Métis communities, provincial ministries and agencies and educational representatives from the Office of the Federal Interlocutor. It is through these partnerships that MNBC aims to improve academic success for Métis learners as well as a sense of belonging, leadership and a stronger connection to their culture.
MNBC strives to improve early childhood education for Métis children and to bring into focus the unique Métis perspective on early childhood learning. Métis people want to prepare their children for stronger academic performance, but their concerns go beyond a singular focus on cognitive development. They see early childhood education as a means of reinforcing Métis identity, and instilling the values, attitudes and behaviors that give expression to Métis culture? To fully appreciate the Métis perspective on education it is essential to understand that a holistic, culture centered approach to Métis education is desirable and necessary.
MNBC is seeking greater participation in the K-12 school system to develop capacity to support the needs of Métis children at the elementary and secondary levels. MNBC believes that this can be accomplished in part through establishing specific Métis curriculum, developing Métis authorities, respecting and instilling Métis knowledge, values and skills, creating pedagogical environments that respect this authority, and developing the capacity of the Métis community to engage in long-term strategies and visions. MNBC seeks to expand access for post secondary students by way of direct student support in the form of bursaries. British Columbia is the only province without a trust established for Métis students. MNBC requires the capacity to develop partnerships with colleges and universities in British Columbia and thus establish a shared trust. Post secondary institutions will not be allowed to deny, to those with the motivation and capacity, the opportunity to learn and aspire to excellence in pursuing a skilled trade, a diploma, or university degree.
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