Media.Knet.Ca

From  Canadian Council on Learning

A breakthrough for Aboriginal learning in Canada

Ottawa, Nov. 20, 2007—The Canadian Council on Learning (CCL) and its Aboriginal Learning Knowledge Centre, in partnership with Aboriginal organizations in Canada, have developed an innovative approach to measuring Aboriginal learning—one that should lead to more effective lifelong learning and contribute to a higher quality of life for Aboriginal Peoples across Canada.

Aboriginal organizations have long advocated learning that affirms their cultural traditions, own ways of knowing and values. Using modern communications technology to present Aboriginal perspectives, this partnership has resulted in three interactive, online learning models that convey how learning occurs throughout all stages of life and in many settings, such as the home, on the land, and in the community.

“Traditional approaches to measuring successful learning are important, but have focused on the classroom and have not sufficiently reflected Aboriginal people’s holistic view of learning,” says Paul Cappon, CCL's president and CEO. “All Canadians can learn from these models.”

“Lifelong learning is an important part of the solution to eradicating poverty in our communities,” says Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. “The development of a culturally appropriate framework for measuring lifelong learning recognizes the more holistic approach to learning that has long been an essential part of the lives of First Nations people.”

The First Nations model  and Métis model are represented by illustrations of living trees, to convey the regenerative nature of learning and its relationship to community well-being.

The Inuit model uses an image of an Inuit blanket toss (a game often played at Inuit celebrations) and a circular path of lifelong learning to depict learning as an individual and collective journey.

“The Inuit learning model is a first step toward what I believe will be an invaluable ongoing discussion about learning and how learning can be strengthened in Inuit communities,” says Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. 

These Holistic Lifelong Learning Models form the centrepiece of CCL’s first annual report on Aboriginal learning, Redefining How Success Is Measured in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Learning. Released today at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, the report details the nearly year-long development process behind this project, which was carried out in partnership with five national Aboriginal organizations and refined through workshops and discussions with leading Aboriginal learning experts and community members.

Each of the three models are intended as living documents that will evolve as First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, organizations, institutions, researchers and governments use them to strengthen new approaches to learning.

“Métis people have always advocated for the importance of knowledge acquired through experiential learning, including learning from Elders, traditions, ceremonies, family, and the workplace,” says Dale Leclair, Chief Administrative Officer of the Métis National Council (MNC). “The MNC applauds the efforts of CCL in recognizing these vital, but often unrecognized forms of learning within Métis learning model,”

The Holistic Lifelong Learning Models are available at www.ccl-cca.ca/redefiningsuccess.

- 30 -

The Canadian Council on Learning is an independent, not-for-profit corporation funded through an agreement with Human Resources and Social Development Canada. Its mandate is to promote and support evidence-based decisions about learning throughout all stages of life, from early childhood through to the senior years.

For more information contact:

Kelly Ouimet
Senior Communications Specialist
Canadian Council on Learning
613.786.3230 x242
kouimet@ccl-cca.ca