Mapping the learning path at the CSB regional assembly

The Cree School Board’ second regional general assembly, held November 8-9, in Mistissini, brought together school board officials and representatives from all 10 Cree communities to map the event’s theme – “Our Journey Towards Student Success” – or determine the best way to improve educational outcomes for Cree students.

To kick off the event, Cree School Board Director General Abraham Jolly presented the board’s 2016-2021 Strategic Action Plan. Based upon a comprehensive review of the board’s previous five-year action plan, which expired in 2015 – and a recent survey of Cree on the state of education in Eeyou Istchee – the plan sets out strategic goals for student success and yearly progress expectations.

After the plan was presented to the audience, representatives from each Cree community – including chiefs, health board officials, school administrator and students – developed calls to action for their communities and respective schools

“If we want to achieve strategic success, we have to do it together as a nation,” said Nian Matoush, communications director for the Cree School Board. “We want to hear from the schools and communities on how we can achieve student success.”

Matoush added that community engagement could be used to combat absenteeism – a perennial problem for the school board.

Over the past several years, the Cree School Board has adopted a progressive approach to improving student outcomes, including employing the latest findings in neuroscience. And last year, it teamed up with the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative, which had developed a course on First Nations entrepreneurship that is being offered by Mistissini’s Voyageur Memorial High School for the second consecutive year.

Former Prime Minister Paul Martin, who will be visiting Mistissini on November 25 for its official launch, founded the foundation. “It’s a great honour,” Matoush said of the visit. “It will resonate most with the students. He’s going to get their feedback and hear what they’re doing.”

Officials also updated the attendees on ongoing changes to the 1978 Cree School Board Act. Two working groups are currently developing a framework for the Act, which Abraham Jolly says is an important part of Cree self-determination. he hopes the project will be ready by December, but acknowledges it could take longer. “The next time we have the assembly, we’d like it to be complete.”

Excited about what the next five years has to offer, Jolly stressed the need to implement the objectives and monitor progress. “The key part will be making sure our students are learning at the levels they should.”

In addition to the school board leaders, attendees heard from a host of special guests, including Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come, Philip Awashish, Abel Bosum and Robert Kanatewat. And, for some needed comic relief, Cree comedian Don Burnstick, from Alexander First Nation, outside of Edmonton, performed a set.