Introduction

The statement on Indian control of Indian education was developed in 1972 by the National Indian
Brotherhood council headed by Clive Linktlater. The federal government had announced the need to
assimilate the First Nations. In an attempt to stop assimilation, the Brotherhood presented a statement
to the government to demand the First Nations Control of First Nations Education. The main goal was to
make Indian education relevant to the Indian way of life. The First Nations wanted the support of the
federal government. They strongly felt the need to preserve the culture through education. The
Brotherhood council developed the Indian Control of Indian education (ICIE) policy. This policy was
presented to the federal government in 1972. The statement explained the importance of integrating
the First Nations values in the education programs. The federal government was supposed to fund the
program and allow First Nations to fully control education programs.

Brief History

Before the arrival of the Europeans First Nations controlled all land, resources within agreed traditional
boundaries. On colonization, Europeans displaced the First Nations. They forced the First Nations out of
their land. The First Nations were given small parcels which were referred to as reserves. They were
stripped off their rights to their lands, resources, culture, jurisdiction, as well as, governance. The
colonization process affected family and community well being of the Indians. The First Nations
originally cultivated on the lands and were self sufficient. When they colonized they had to depend on
the Europeans (Assembly of First Nations, 2001).

The misguided assimilation policy adversely affected the First Nations education. The racist polices
affected the socio-economic well being of the First Nation. The education policy especially oppressed
the First Nations. The First Nations view education as a means of liberating oneself. Education is a tool of
achieving self determination. Education was the only hope of addressing the negative impacts of
colonization. Every community has a culture and a way of life. The best way to pass cultural practices
from one generation to the next, and inculcate good values is through education (Jones, 2000).

In 1972, the Federal Government released the white paper demanding assimilation of the First Nations.
The First nations wanted to gain control of education, and use it to empower Indians. Control of
education by First Nations was seen as a way of addressing the colonial problems. Children would
acquire the right skills to be self empowered and sufficient. Education was a good means of preserving
the Fist Nations culture. Assimilation of the First Nations would erode the cultural values and languages.
The First Nation understood the importance of education. It was meant to empower First Nations, as
well as, preserve culture and language. The First Nations wanted improvements in four main areas;
responsibility, programs, teachers, and facilities.

The rationale behind Indian Control of Indian Education

Education is supposed to provide children with values that are in line with Indian tradition and culture.
The value honored by Indian people is what makes India a great race. These values are contained in the
Indian History and legends. When children understand their origin they will have reasons to be proud of
themselves as Indians (Grenoble, 2006).

Parents teach children certain values before sending them o school. School programs should extend the
education which parents gave their children. The Indian culture puts emphasis on education of certain
values; self reliance, respect for personal freedom, generosity, respect for nature, and wisdom. It is very
important for Indian children to learn these values to enable them to understand the Indian culture.
Parents have a responsibility of determining the kind of school programs that will not cause any damage
to the children. The Canadian society has two education principles; parental responsibility, and local
Control of education. The First Nations parents wanted to become part of the education system.
Parents wanted to be adequately represented in the territorial boards. For education to have positive
impact parents participation was crucial.

The federal government had a responsibility of providing education of all types to all the citizens. The
government is supposed to invest in education. Education is a tool of improving the welfare of the
people (Hébert, 2013). A country improves human capital through education. It increases the number of
skilled workers available. The federal government was expected to invest in education of the Indians. It
was supposed to provide funds to change the education system to include the Indian values and
traditions. The First Nations wanted to have full control of education system and receive funds from the
federal government. The federal government was supposed to transfer funds allocated for Indian
schools to local education authority. This committee was supposed to oversee the budgeting, and
spending of schools. It was also supposed to direct the hiring of teachers and develop adult education
programs.

First Nations Success

The ICIE policy led to the establishment of First Nations Schools. Today, there over 518 First Nations
Schools that delivers Kindergarten to 12th grade. First Nations schools are under management of First
Nations principals and teachers. The schools offer local and cultural programs. The programs promote
the Indian culture and help students understand their origin. 55% of the First Nations students attend
First Nations elementary and secondary schools.

The ICIE 1972 policy led to the establishment of more than 40 locally controlled Higher Learning
Institutions. These institutions enroll about 10,000 students per year. The institution provides adult and
degree programs. In2010, about 80,000 First Nation Students were attending the First Nation Higher
Education Institute. The ICIE Policy has improved has led to the improvement of First Nation education
system. It has increased the number of First Nation learners attending schools. The First Nation has a
large number of qualified personnel in various sectors such as education, medicine, IT, and business.

The courses and curricula reflect the Indian culture and traditions. Students understand their origins and
become proud of their tribes. This has strengthened the First Nation identities. In addition it has
empowered the First Nation. They can participate in education pursuits at community and international
levels. The values of the Indian culture have been integrated in the education system. The school
extends education on lessons first taught by parents. Parents participate in the education of their
children. Indian parents receive adequate representation in the provincial boards.

It has strengthened community and institutional capacity. It has increased satisfaction of students,
parents and the whole community. The First Nation can now participate in policy making at national
level. Statistics show the success of the ICIE policy. More Indians have joined schools in Canada.
Moreover, the government has created more schools. The empowering of the First Nations has
benefited the Indians, as well as, Canada. Canada human capital has increased. The First Nation qualified
personnel have increased Canada’s human capital.

Problems

The ICIE policy has led to the expansion of the Indian Schools. The number of drop outs is still high. The
dropout rate stands at 51%. Most students drop out of schools because they encounter a number of
challenges. The First Nation learning system is inadequate. It has not been fully established and
implemented four decades since its development. It has failed to identify the needs of students in a
diverse environment. Only 48% of the First Nations students graduate from Higher Learning institutions.
The policy was not implemented fully. The local communities only control education partly in the form
of delegated authority. They do not have full control of education system. The program has never been
implemented fully and this is a major cause of the setbacks.

The Canadian government has failed to fund the First Nations learning system adequately. There is a gap
between the First Nations learners and the Canadian population. The gap can only be closed in the next
twenty years if the government funds the First Nation learning process. Numerous studies and
evaluations have been carried by First Nations with the aim of convincing the government to fully
support the First Nations education. In 2010, the First Nations develops another policy ‘First Nations
Control of First Nations Education 2010 Policy’. It argues the government to provide adequate resources
for First Nations education.

Conclusion

The ICIE led to the improvement of the First Nations education. Education has empowered the local
communities. The main goals of the ICIE have not been achieved yet but the First Nations continue to
push for total control of education system. The Canadian government should adequately fund the First
Nations education to close big education gap that exist between the first Nations and Canadian
population.