9.4 Indigenous Policy for Education

The influence of Indigenous pedagogy comes from a review of educational policies related to the implementation of learning inside schools. The most detailed one comes from the Ontario government and their First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (OFNMI) Education Policy Framework from 2007. It is in this vision where collaboration with Canadian society and Indigenous groups are addressed in terms of social and economic success[10]:

“First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students in Ontario will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to successfully complete their elementary and secondary education in order to pursue postsecondary education or training and/or to enter the workforce. They will have the traditional and contemporary knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be socially contributive, politically active, and economically prosperous citizens of the world. All students in Ontario will have [the] knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nation, Métis, and Inuit traditions, cultures, and perspectives.” (p. 7)

Criticisms have arisen about the many social policies in Ontario, stating that such measures are sustaining some form of conservatism and neoliberal tendencies[11] or by re-introducing the history of colonialism and propagating a Western ethos of professionalism[12]. Policies, much like the OFNMI, may perpetuate the struggle that FNMI peoples have experienced throughout Canadian history.

The OECD data shows that although the Indigenous share of the employment is low, this is only in the areas of public administration, manufacturing, and agriculture. Other fields, such as construction, educational services (teaching), and the energy sector are above the 2006 numbers, and exceed non-Indigenous employment. Even in specialized fields, such as art and culture, and utility engineering, Indigenous individuals exceeded their 2006 numbers[13].

There is still much to be done socially with Indigenous groups, such as reconciliation. However, the educational policies seem to be working, given the job and economic growth, especially in higher-paying professional occupations.