Yellowknife (Feb 14/03) - On Tuesday, Reanna Erasmus thanked Yellowknife Education District No. 1 for using aboriginal education funding for aboriginal programs.

The gratitude was genuine, but it also sent a powerful message.

Reanna Erasmus is a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Group. The group is made up of parents and people concerned about aboriginal education. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

"I am here to voice concerns aboriginal parents have in regards to the proper spending of funds received specifically for aboriginal language and culture," she told the board.

"Our committee members would like you to be accountable for the approximately $422,000 that you will receive for the 2003/2004 school year."

Last year the board received similar funding for aboriginal culture and language programming.

From that money, less than half was spent for its intended use.

Erasmus said last year was the first year in the over 20-year history of funding aboriginal education that any funds were allocated properly.

Erasmus was diplomatic when dealing with the board. She didn't admonish them for the way past funds have been spent.

Instead she tried to highlight the positive effects funding aboriginal programs have had this year.

The $200,000 was used to fund an aboriginal culture program being piloted at Mildred Hall school.

Currently 120 aboriginal students from Grades 1 to 8 have filled the program to capacity.

"It's such a success that non-aboriginal students are asking when they can attend," said Erasmus.

"The attendance of aboriginal students has increased and referrals to the principal's office have decreased.

Some challenges The program has had its challenges, said Erasmus.

Challenges stemming from lack of resources, short class times and no pre-existing curriculum.

But, she said, they are making it work and they are hoping the school board will continue supporting them.

"You can see the money ... was well spent," she said.

Recommendations The committee also forwarded a number of recommendations to help ensure the board continues the progress that has been made.

Recommendations included the continuation of funding for support staff and the proper allocation of future funds.

"Our vision is to see an aboriginal language and culture teacher in every school," said Erasmus.

"As well, our vision is to see a traditional bush camp set up where all children can learn about living on the land and about aboriginal peoples."

The lack of proper spending, Erasmus said, has saddened her.

"Everybody in Canada should be upset. This is the very foundation of what Canada was built on. Aboriginal life is dying," she said.

DiAnn Blesse, vice principal at Mildred Hall school, said there has been a change since the formation of the Aboriginal Advisory Group.

"It's been very positive since the aboriginal parents in Yellowknife have decided to come together and take an interest in aboriginal education," said Blesse.

The Department of Education is looking into the concerns of aboriginal parents.

"We are tracking the expenditures and we realize there is an issue with some boards on how the culture and language funding is being spent.

"We will be monitoring the situation closely and investigating a number of possible options," said Sue Glowach, communications officer for the department.