scholarly journals Seeking the Elusive Fit: What Do Educational Leaders Look for When Hiring New Teachers for First Nations Schools?

in education ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Cranston
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Prospective Teachers ◽  
Educational Leaders ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Culture Of Teaching ◽  
Hiring Teachers ◽  
Recruitment And Selection ◽  
First Nations Education ◽  
Directors Of Education

This article reports on the preliminary findings of a qualitative research study that explored the perceptions of five directors of education in Manitoba’s First Nations’ educational authorities as they assess prospective teachers for fit for both their schools and their local communities. The findings of this study illustrate that in order to meet the challenges of teaching effectively in First Nations’ schools, those responsible for hiring teachers want to find candidates who (a) contribute to the establishment of a new culture of teaching in the schools, (b) form respectful relationships with students and other members of the particular First Nation community, (c) possess a worldview that is commensurate with those held by First Nations peoples, and (d) are competent to teach academic subjects and also support students’ development as Indigenous youth. I conclude with recommendations that can support the preparation of a greater number of prospective teachers capable of teaching effectively in First Nation schools.     Keywords: First Nations education; Teacher recruitment and selection; educational leadership

Rethinking conceptions of educational leadership within a First Nations setting in Canada

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-209
Author(s):  
Gerald Fallon ◽  
Jerald Paquette
Keyword(s):  
Educational Leadership ◽  
First Nations ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Paradigm ◽  
Cultural Dialogue ◽  
The One ◽  
First Nations Education ◽  
Political Economic

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide to First and non-First Nation educators, scholars, and policy makers alternative perspectives that can reshape research on educational leadership in First Nation education with new imaginings that question fundamentally the cultural-political-economic-space defined by Euro-centred notion of modernity. Design/methodology/approach – The paper addresses two questions in dealing with issues of conceptions of educational leadership in a First Nations setting: first, in what socio-cultural paradigm and epistemic framework, should the paper ground the view of relations among persons and between them and their environment, in a way that opens up spaces for prospects for action of those located outside a Euro-centric epistemic and ontological field; second, how could this paradigm assist us in formulating a conception of educational leadership that increases the leverage of First Nations education in constructing alternative sociocultural and educational worlds not grounded in the Eurocentric modernity? Findings – For non-First Nation educators, power brokers, and policy makers who want to create alliances with First Nation people, this paper outlines the necessity to consider cross-cultural dialogue about conceptions of educational leadership as an “opportunity to challenge conventional assumptions about knowledge, power, and a sense of place” (Marker, 2006, p. 21). Originality/value – The originality of this paper resides in its presentation of alternative conceptual horizons for educational leadership, horizons that acknowledge power inequities between mainstream societies and institutions on the one hand and First Nations peoples and their institutions on the other.

scholarly journals Drinking Water Consumption Patterns: An Exploration of Risk Perception and Governance in Two First Nations Communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 6851
Author(s):  
Neal Spicer ◽  
Brenda Parlee ◽  
Molly Chisaakay ◽  
Doug Lamalice
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Consumption Patterns ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Individual Risk

Many Indigenous communities across Canada suffer from the lack of access to clean drinking water; ensuring individuals and communities have safe water to drink either from their home or from their local environment requires the consideration of multiple factors including individual risk perception. In collaboration with local leaders, semi-structured interviews (n = 99) were conducted over a two-year period in the Dene Tha’ First Nation and Kátł’odeeche First Nation to unpack the issue of risk perception and its meaning to local community members. These local metrics of risk perception including smell, taste, safety, health fears and level of concern were then used to explore patterns in other data on drinking water consumption patterns and bottled water use. The results are consistent with previous research related to water insecurity and indicate that both communities consume more bottled water than the average Canadian. Results also varied by jurisdiction; those in Alberta indicated much higher levels of concern and a greater degree of bottled water consumption.

scholarly journals Policy Forum: Implementing the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Property Tax System—Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons Learned

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 857-872
Author(s):  
Kate McCue ◽  
Bill McCue
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Property Tax ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Property Taxes ◽  
Tax System ◽  
Fiscal Management ◽  
Local Services ◽  
Policy Forum ◽  
Do So

In 2018, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation (GIFN) implemented a First Nation property tax system under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA)—one of the earliest First Nations in Ontario to do so. Implementation of a property tax system gave GIFN an opportunity to improve funding for and expand local services, and provide a more equitable sharing of local service costs between cottagers leasing First Nation land and the First Nation. Key challenges encountered when implementing the property tax system were building consensus around the need for a tax system, building an appropriate administrative infrastructure, carrying out property assessments, and professionals lacking knowledge of First Nation property tax. These challenges, however, presented opportunities to create a knowledge base around property taxation within GIFN, among cottage leaseholders, and in the wider community. Key lessons learned were (1) start as soon as possible; (2) First Nations Tax Commission support and standards are important; (3) staff training is important; (4) communicate early and often; (5) hold open houses; (6) local services are more than garbage collection; (7) property taxes do not harm lease rates or cottage sales; (8) educate lawyers, real estate agents, and other professionals; (9) startup costs were significant; (10) coordinate laws and standards with provincial variations; (11) modernize systems; and (12) utilize other parts of the FMA.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular risk according to plasma apolipoprotein and lipid profiles in a Canadian First Nation

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
ND Riediger ◽  
SG Bruce ◽  
TK Young
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipid Profiles ◽  
Apolipoprotein A1 ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Future Research

Introduction Despite high diabetes rates among Canadian First Nations people, little is known about their cardiovascular disease risk. Our aim was to describe the apolipoprotein profile with respect to cardiovascular risk in a Canadian First Nation community. Methods In 2003, a representative sample of adult members of a Manitoba First Nation (N = 483) participated in a screening study for diabetes and diabetes complications. We assessed their cardiovascular risk factors. Results Sixty percent of women were at increased cardiovascular risk because of low apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) levels, compared with 35% of men. The proportion of women with low apoA1 levels decreased with age, but the proportion with low high-density lipoprotein levels remained stable across age groups. Both apoB and apoA1 were significantly associated with obesity when age, sex, diastolic blood pressure, homocysteine, diabetes, and insulin resistance were controlled for. Conclusion Apolipoprotein and lipid profiles in this First Nation population suggest high cardiovascular risk. Future research should characterize the lipoprotein particle size in this population.

scholarly journals Decolonizing Health in Canada: A Manitoba First Nation Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Eni ◽  
Wanda Phillips Beck ◽  
Grace Kyoon Achan ◽  
Josée G. Lavoie ◽  
Kathi Avery Kinew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Indigenous Wisdom

Abstract Background This paper focuses on a longitudinal research program in Manitoba, Canada, by the Innovation Supporting Transformation in Community-Based Research Project (iPHIT) to learn from First Nations across the province that have developed effective community-based primary healthcare models. The research is relevant and timely as First Nations across the country, and Indigenous populations globally, work towards improvements in population health and health equity via critical analysis and restructuring of health services. The purpose of the paper is to deepen an understanding of decolonization as it is defined within the communities, as a central aspect of health restructuring. Methods The study is a qualitative, grounded theory analysis, which is a constructivist approach to social research that allows for generation of theory in praxis, through interactions and conversations between researchers and research participants. Findings are based on 183 in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions with participants from 8 Manitoba First Nation communities. The study was designed to understand strengths, limitations and priorities of primary healthcare strategies and frameworks of the communities. The iPHIT team was an active collaborative partnership between the First Nation communities, First Nation Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, and the University of Manitoba. The First Nation partners led in all aspects of the research, from development to implementation, data collection, analyses, and dissemination. Respected Elders from the communities also guided in appropriate research and engagement protocols. Results Data was coded and then grouped into 4 interconnecting themes. These are: (1) First Nation control of healthcare, (2) traditional medicine and healing activities, (3) full community participation, and (4) moving out of colonization involves cleaning up and moving beyond the mess that colonization has inflicted. Conclusion Decolonizing health involves a taking back of Indigenous wisdom and traditional activities; connections to the land, resources; intra- and inter-community relationships. Participants emphasized the value of full community engagement with respect to inclusion of different interpretations of and experiences in the world, highlighting creation of a shared vision. The study focused on First Nation community experiences and interests in Manitoba specifically, though the data may be applicable to national and global decolonization efforts.

scholarly journals “We Don’t Drink the Water Here”: The Reproduction of Undrinkable Water for First Nations in Canada

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warrick Baijius ◽  
Robert J. Patrick
Keyword(s):  
Political Ecology ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Water Governance ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Governance Capacity ◽  
Water Problem ◽  
Source Water Protection ◽  
Current Water

First Nation communities in Canada are disproportionately plagued by undrinkable water and insufficient household sanitation. In addition, water resource management in First Nation communities has long been a technocratic and scientific mission controlled by state-led authorities. There has been limited engagement of First Nations in decision-making around water management and water governance. As such, problems associated with access to drinkable water and household sanitation are commonly positioned as hydrological or environmental problems (flood or drought) to be fixed by technical and engineering solutions. This apolitical reading has been criticized for not addressing the root cause of the First Nation water problem, but instead, of reproducing it. In this paper, an approach using political ecology will tease out key factors contributing to the current water problem in many First Nation communities. Using case study research set in source water protection planning, this paper explains how persistent colonial practices of the state continue to reproduce undrinkable water and insufficient household sanitation. Solutions to this ‘water problem’ require greater attention to First Nations water governance capacity and structures.

scholarly journals Association between Co-Morbidities and the Prevalence of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness over a Four-Year Period

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-470
Author(s):  
Karunanayake ◽  
Dosman ◽  
Fenton ◽  
Rennie ◽  
Kirychuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Longitudinal Change ◽  
Canadian Population ◽  
Health Project ◽  
Multilevel Logistic Regression Model

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common problem in general the Canadian population. It can effect day-to-day activities and is also associated with several health issues. This study aimed to investigate the association between co-morbidities and the prevalence of EDS over a four-year period in adults living in two First Nation communities. Data collected during the First Nations Lung Health Project (FNLHP) conducted in two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan in 2012–2013 (Cycle 1) and 2016 (Cycle 2) were used for this analysis. There were 859 participants aged 18 years and older at baseline (Cycle 1) and 821 participants aged 18 years and older at follow-up (Cycle 2) who completed the interviewer-administered questionnaire. An Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score > 10 was considered to be abnormal and identified as a case of EDS at both time points. A multilevel logistic regression model using a generalized estimating equations approach was used to analyze the data. The prevalence of EDS at baseline (Cycle 1) was 11.2% (91/815) and 10.0% (80/803) at follow-up (Cycle 2). Based on the predicted model, longitudinal change in the prevalence of EDS was −0.11% for 358 individuals who participated in both cycles. There were 49% males at baseline and 48% males at follow-up. Multivariate regression model results revealed that crowding, shortness of breath, loud snoring, chronic lung disease, depression and gastric reflux were the main significant predictors of EDS. In addition, the interaction between sex and age was significant. Some of the co-morbid conditions were associated with EDS. Therefore, managing such conditions requires considerations in strategies to decrease the prevalence of daytime sleepiness.

scholarly journals P100: Exploring First Nations members emergency department experiences and concerns through participatory research methods

CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S92-S92
Author(s):  
P. McLane ◽  
D. Jagodzinsky ◽  
L. Bill ◽  
C. Barnabe ◽  
B. R. Holroyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Team Meetings ◽  
Point Of Entry ◽  
Working Together ◽  
Indigenous Worldview ◽  
Sharing Circles

Introduction: Emergency Departments (EDs) are frequently the first point of entry to access health services for First Nation (FN) members. In Alberta, FN members visit EDs at almost double the rate of non-FN persons. Furthermore, preliminary evidence demonstrates differences in ED experience for FN members as compared to the general population. The Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre, Maskwacis Health Services, Yellowhead Tribal Council, Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta, and Alberta Health Services are working together to research FN members ED experiences and concerns. Methods: This is participatory research guided by a two-eyed seeing approach that acknowledges the equal value of both Western and Indigenous worldviews. FN and non-FN leaders researchers are full partners in the development of the research project. Six sharing circles will be held in February 2018 across Alberta, with Elders, FN patients, FN and non-FN clinicians and FN and non-FN administrators. Sharing circles are similar to focus groups, but emphasize everyone having a turn to speak and demonstrating respect among participants in accordance with FN protocols. Elders will select the questions for discussion based on topics that arose in initial team meetings. Sharing circle discussions will be audio recorded and transcribed. Analysts will include both Western and Indigenous worldview researchers, who will collaboratively interpret findings. Elders will review, discuss, contextualize and expand upon study findings. The research is also guided by FN principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession of FN information. It is through these principles that First Nation research projects can truly be classified as FN lead and driven. Results: Based on initial team meeting discussions, results of sharing circles are expected to provide insights on issues such as: healing, patient-provider communication (verbal and non-verbal), shared decision making, respect for patient preferences, experiences leading to trust or distrust, understandings of wait times and triage, times when multiple (repeat) ED presentations occur, distances travelled for care, choosing specific EDs when seeking care, impacts of stereotypes about FN patients, and racism and reconciliation. Conclusion: Understanding FN ED experience and bringing FN perspectives to Western conceptions of the goals and provision of ED care are important steps toward reconciliation.

Institutional determinants of profitable commercial forestry enterprises among First Nations in Canada

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Trosper ◽  
Harry Nelson ◽  
George Hoberg ◽  
Peggy Smith ◽  
William Nikolakis
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Third Party ◽  
First Nation ◽  
Institutional Characteristics ◽  
Joint Effort ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Institutional Determinants ◽  
Strong Separation ◽  
The Government

This paper uses survey information to examine several common assertions about the institutional prerequisites for successful profitability when a First Nation enters an economic enterprise either independently or in joint effort with an outside firm. In the winter of 2004–2005, we interviewed managers on both the First Nations and private sides of joint ventures and other business alliances in Canada, to determine what affected their recent profitability experience. We gathered information on the ages, sizes, and activities of the firms. We also gathered information about the firms’ management structures and relationship with the First Nation, and the characteristics of the government of the First Nation. With a sample size of 40 firms that responded, we found that several institutional characteristics affected profit positively: strong separation of management from band governance, participation in management planning, and the use of staggered terms in band council elections. We found that the likelihood of profitability decreased if the band had been in third party management as well as if there was formal participation of elders or hereditary chiefs in decision making. We offer interpretations of these results.

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