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My initial reaction to the four articles was surprising. I never knew that indigenous children were struggling in the education system, because I always thought that they got to go to a special school specifically for them where they would be taught a high curriculum after suffering abuse from residential schools. It was shocking to learn that First Nation schools can receive significantly less funding from the federal government than provincially funded schools in the same region. To make matters worse, there are no language teachers beyond the third grade, which casually eliminates their culture. Finally, they are breaking the 2008 Nunavut Education Act, which violates the rights of Indigenous people and their cultural rights, causing them to fall behind in their education. I find it absurd that this is taking place, and I regret not knowing about it earlier. I had always assumed that they had an excellent school plan, but in reality, the government provides them with terrible funding for education. (Bell; Porter).

I would have a range of feelings if my family or community went through anything similar. I would be extremely disappointed in my government and the way they treat me, as well as the fact that I may be given fewer chances than others because of my background. I would also be in a really poor state of mind, believing that I am not as valuable as other people, and I would become even more enraged upon witnessing my loved ones suffer. I only want what is best for my loved ones.

I think that those in positions of authority would likely develop a special program for First Nations people, similar to Chartrand's "Aboriginal Head Start Education Program," to ensure that these children receive the proper funding and a head start in school. They might even establish a separate program in which First Nations children receive support staff in case they need additional help, similar to the IEP students. This would ensure that children can succeed in their educational journeys and that the alarming 48% of First Nations students who complete high school would not repeat (CBC; Theglobeandmail).

I think this issue is not being resolved because the government is ignoring the rights violations and cultural abuses of the Indigenous people, showing how much they care about them by funding more provincial schools rather than Indigenous ones. Especially after all the suffering the people endured at the hands of the government during the residential school system. I believe it is terrible what they are doing, destroying many opportunities for the people.

There are several approaches that can help with the issue at hand. Advocates such as Chartrand are working to improve the education system for First Nations people by developing programs that help them get a head start in school so they don't struggle, hiring more Indigenous teachers so students can continue to learn about their culture after the third grade, and obtaining the funds needed to keep the schools funded so that Indigenous children can grow up to be successful and not struggle academically.

This topic is related to "The Marrow Thieves" because the residential schools are back in operation and the Indigenous people are being hunted by the government for their bone marrow for their own selfish gain, demonstrating how little they care about Indigenous people and leaving them to fend for themselves, living off scraps and hoping to survive another day while being hunted. Indigenous kids such as Frenchie, Rose, Slopper, RiRi, Whop, Chi-boy, and the twins are among those who are forced to flee for their lives rather than receive an educational plan or be able to attend school. The only education they receive comes from their elders, such as Migg and Minerva, who teach them how to make do with what they have and live off scraps. A normal child would be in school learning, while indigenous kids are being hunted for their lives. Overall, it demonstrates how the government truly cared about Indigenous people and why this educational issue needs to be addressed immediately so Indigenous people can have the same opportunities as anyone else in this world.

Bell, Jim Bell. “Nunavut’s Education System ‘Constitutes Cultural Genocide,’ Says Inuit Org.” Nunatsiaq News, 22 Apr. 2019, nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/nunavuts-education-system-constitutes-cultural-genocide-says-inuit-org/.

“Globe Editorial: More Indigenous People in Canada Are Graduating from High School than Ever. It’s Still Not Nearly Enough.” The Globe and Mail, 5 June 2020, www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/article-more-indigenous-canadians-than-ever-are-graduating-from-high-school/.

“Métis Kids Less Likely to Be Ready to Start School, Study Says: MMF Calls for More Education Support | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 8 May 2019, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-metis-federation-education-1.5127179.

Porter, Jody. “First Nations Education: Are We Still Getting It Wrong? | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 8 Oct. 2016, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/first-nations-education-getting-it-wrong-1.3795927.

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Luann -First Nations Education: Are We Still Getting it Wrong?” by Jody Porter – Oct. 8, 2016

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Luann -First Nations Education: Are We Still Getting it Wrong?” by Jody Porter – Oct. 8, 2016

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The news initially makes me feel really sad and concerned. It is awful and obviously unequal that First Nations schools in the same region receive much less financing than locally supported schools, even though they are supposed to teach the same set of lessons.  This problem not only maintains  the historical trauma and oppression of Indigenous communities, but it is also unfair to the youngsters who attend these types of schools.

If we were experiencing something similar, I would be furious and frustrated. However, it is disappointing to realize that there are individuals within our community who experience similar things. For instance, the black community's neighbourhoods receive little attention from the government, which ignores their standard of living or income. As a result, a large number of them are involved in gangs and drugs in an attempt to obtain money.  It is unjust that Indigenous peoples have to fight for these rights every day, while certain people enjoy basic resources and rights for granted. The government's failure serves as evidence of the systematic discrimination and neglect that infect our society.

I think it is the duty of those in positions of authority, such as government representatives and schools, to address this problem and seek a solution. The systemic prejudices and barriers that exist in our society are reflected in the length of time this issue has been tolerated. It's time for these obstacles to be removed and for significant change to take place.

The underfunding of First Nations schools, in my opinion, is a result of a lack of political will and a failure to give Indigenous communities' needs top priority. Promises made by the government to Indigenous communities are not new. For instance, they have been speaking up about clean water for ages, and people are finally beginning to pay attention to them. However, they frequently break their promises. Systemic racism and a lack of awareness of the particular demands and difficulties came across by Indigenous communities are to blame for this.

In my opinion, the government needs to take several measures to address this problem, such as boosting financing for First Nations schools, offering materials to help with the provincial curriculum's delivery, addressing the systemic prejudices and barriers that exist in our society, and following to the Resolving conflicts Commission's Calls to Action 6–12. In order to create solutions that are relevant to the needs and goals of Indigenous people, the government must also collaborate with these groups.

"The Marrow Thieves." The author of the book examines the difficulties and tragedies that Indigenous peoples encounter. Wab, for instance, has a very depressing story about the effects of colonization and the loss of cultural identity and SA. The continuing systemic unfairness that these communities experience in Canada is reflected in the problem of unequal funding for schools that serve First Nations people. The financial gap may make it more difficult for Indigenous students to access resources and educational opportunities, which would keep them in a cycle of exclusion and disadvantage.

In summary, underfunding in First Nations schools is a complicated, pervasive issue that calls for an all-encompassing, long-term solution. In addition to increasing funds, there are systemic prejudices and barriers in our culture that need to be addressed. Together, we can solve this problem and build an education system that is more equitable and just for every student.

Government of Canada progress update on improving access to clean water in First Nations communities. (2021, May 18). Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/news/2021/05/government-of-canada-progress-update-on-improving-access-to-clean-water-in-first-nations-communities.html

Developing laws and regulations for First Nations drinking water and wastewater: engagement 2022 to 2023. (2023, September 22). https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1330528512623/1698157290139#

Systemic racism: What it looks like in Canada and how to fight it?  | VPFO | UBC. (n.d.). https://vpfo.ubc.ca/2021/03/systemic-racism-what-it-looks-like-in-canada-and-how-to-fight-it/

Education. (2023, November 6). https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524495412051/1557511602225

Reid, S. (2023, July 1). Toronto’s Black neighbourhoods hard hit by displacement. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/article-torontos-black-neighbourhoods-hard-hit-by-displacement/

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Lynn A - “First Nations Education: Are We Still Getting it Wrong?” by Jody Porter – Oct. 8, 2016

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Lynn A - “First Nations Education: Are We Still Getting it Wrong?” by Jody Porter – Oct. 8, 2016

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Now that I have read the four articles, I feel surprised, shocked, and concerned. I always thought that Indigenous people are being cared for and the government is actually treating them well after what happened at Residential Schools; it turned out that the government is still treating them badly and unfairly. Knowing that First Nations schools receive significantly less funding (less than half) than provincially funded schools makes me shocked and concerned for Indigenous communities.

If me and my family were experiencing the same thing I would feel angry, frustrated, and upset. I would also feel a sense of betrayal by the government since it promised and apologized many times for what happened in Residential Schools but is still making me feel unwelcomed and unwanted. A sense of helplessness will arise too due to the fact that it's out of my control and there's nothing I can do about it.

I believe that its the government and the people of power's role to look into this issue and fix it, but sadly they're not doing anything about it. The government is showing no care for Indigenous people, their needs are not on the government's top priority, and they are also constantly breaking their promises to the Indigenous people.

To address this issue, there are many things that can be done. People need to speak up and educate others about what's happening to the Indigenous people. The government should increase funding for schools in Indigenous communities and engage in meaningful collaboration with indigenous leaders and communities. The government should also put effort in improving infrastructure and ensuring access to quality educational resources in order to fix this issue.

In The Marrow Thieves, we see that all of its characters are running away from Residential schools. Residential schools deliver poor education while also treating Indigenous children unfairly by making them suffer from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The characters in The Marrow Thieves also suffer from poor quality education; elders in the novel only teach the younger ones how to hunt and survive running away from the recruiters.

In conclusion, I believe that Indigenous people should have better access to education and should be treated equally.

References

First Nations education: Are we still getting it wrong? (2016, October 8). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/first-nations-education-getting-it-wrong-1.3795927

Globe editorial: More Indigenous people in Canada are graduating from high school than ever. It’s still not nearly enough. (2020, June 4). The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/article-more-indigenous-canadians-than-ever-are-graduating-from-high-school/

Métis kids less likely to be ready to start school, study says: MMF calls for more education support. (2019, May 8). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-metis-federation-education-1.5127179

News, N. (2019, April 22). Nunavut’s education system “constitutes cultural genocide,” says Inuit org. Nunatsiaq News. https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/nunavuts-education-system-constitutes-cultural-genocide-says-inuit-org/

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I am totally shocked on how Indigenous people have to live and how the government overlooks what is going on in the Northern communities.

Families of 15-16 people are made to live in small homes which everyone sleeps in shifts as there only enough beds for so many of them.

These issues will never be fixed as the government will never spend enough money to build them housing. The indigenous people will always fight for more housing but unless they have the government to back them they will always live this way.

If my family would have to live like that I would really be upset and I would fight the government to rectify this issue.

In the Marrow Thieves this same situation of housing is also protrayed in the book as the government is taking all the land and housing away from the indigenous people and making them live in poverty or putting them in residential schools.

References:

Housing in Crisis in Canada’s Northern Inuit Territories — Arctic Deeply (thenewhumanitarian.org)

UN report highlights 'abhorrent' housing conditions for Indigenous people | CTV News

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Housing in Crisis in Canada’s Northern Inuit Territories

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A severe housing shortage in Canada’s Inuit communities underpins many complicated social problems, as a new Senate report testifies. The problem is so costly that policymakers are tempted to ignore the seemingly intractable issue.