Our Schools/Our Selves Education Foundation, Toronto (Ontario)., Haig-Brown, Celia, Hodgson-Smith, Kathy L., Regnier, Robert, Archibald, Jo-ann, Haig-Brown, Celia, Hodgson-Smith, Kathy L., Regnier, Robert, Archibald, Jo-ann, and Our Schools/Our Selves Education Foundation, Toronto (Ontario).
This book offers an in-depth study of an exemplary school for Native students, the Joe Duquette High School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada). The school's successes and its uniqueness are based on the consistent and insistent commitment of all involved to a focus on Aboriginal spirituality within the school and the human relationships there. The sacred circle is the foundation of the school's philosophy and curriculum and is evident in all school activities. The school's mission emphasizes its role as a healing place for all members of the school family. Chapters in this book focus on the history of Aboriginal education in Canada; spirituality and ceremonies in the school; overview of school objectives, admissions, academic organization, dance troupe and cultural education, healthy lifestyles program, support services, and infant daycare; the school's beginnings in 1980 as the Saskatoon Native Survival School; school schedule and classroom practices; student attitudes and aspirations; staff training, collegiality, and teacher student relationships; and the role of the parent council as "keepers of the vision." In the final section, the researchers reflect on the meaning of "exemplary," present themselves and their backgrounds, and describe research activities and analysis. (Contains 43 references.) (SV)