ERIC Number: EJ1090231
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1754-730X
EISSN: N/A
A Case Study of Culturally Relevant School-Based Programming for First Nations Youth: Improved Relationships, Confidence and Leadership, and School Success
Crooks, Claire V.; Burleigh, Dawn; Snowshoe, Angela; Lapp, Andrea; Hughes, Ray; Sisco, Ashley
Advances in School Mental Health Promotion, v8 n4 p216-230 2015
Schools are expected to promote social and emotional learning skills among youth; however, there is a lack of culturally-relevant programming available. The Fourth R: Uniting Our Nations programs for Aboriginal youth include strengths-based programs designed to promote healthy relationships and cultural connectedness, and improve school success during the transition from elementary to secondary school. A mixed methods evaluation of these programs was undertaken utilizing 35 elementary and secondary student interviews, survey data from 45 secondary students, and 7 educator, and principal interviews. Four themes emerged: (1) programming was perceived to contribute to student success; (2) participants experienced improved relationships, and an increased sense of belonging; (3) participants gained confidence and leadership skills; and (4) the provision of culturally relevant experiences and role models was key to program success. The results underscore the importance of developing and implementing culturally relevant programs for Aboriginal youth, who as a group have been historically marginalized in the education system. Furthermore, promoting cultural connectedness in schools facilitates the development of bicultural competence, and reduces the pressure many of these youth experience to choose between success at school and their Aboriginal identity.
Descriptors: Canada Natives, Foreign Countries, Indigenous Populations, Culturally Relevant Education, Mixed Methods Research, Program Evaluation, Elementary School Students, Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Students, Secondary School Teachers, Principals, Interviews, Interpersonal Relationship, Academic Achievement, Student School Relationship, Self Esteem, Leadership Qualities, Role Models, Program Effectiveness, Tribes, Mentors, Case Studies, Surveys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A