Frequently Asked Questions
Although we need to ensure unmet needs are addressed in the recommendations being developed, we have also heard about the many wonderful things happening in the current education system. We are developing recommendations to both strengthen and build on existing positive elements as well as address the gaps and shortfalls.
Gaps and shortfalls associated with funding:
- Not adequate
- Not predictable (proposal-based)
- Fragmented, patchwork approach (need to access funding from several sources)
- Delays in the provision of funding
- Heavy reporting burden
- Need for increased capital funding for new construction
- Need for increased operations and maintenance budgets
- Need for increased funding for post-secondary education and training (waiting list)
Other gaps and shortfalls include:
- Gaps in programming
- Additional support is required for students and teachers
- Increased parental/community engagement
- Access to data
- More holistic learning environment
- Transportation challenges
Funding issues and other issues are being addressed by building on the preliminary work done through community engagement and in partnership with Deloitte. The LLTF continues to gather additional information where necessary and engage the community to further refine recommendations, which will be brought to the community for direction once completed.
The recommendations the LLTF is developing will take the form of a recommended strategic plan. This recommended strategic plan will include a blueprint and roadmap for establishing a lifelong learning education system based on research, knowledge sharing and community input.
The LLTF has divided its work into two phases:
- Recommended Strategic Plan on K-12 Education – target completion date Fall 2021.
- Recommended Strategic Plan on Expansion of K-12 Education to include the full lifelong learning continuum – target completion date Fall of 2022.
The approach adopted to develop recommendations is a community-based capacity development approach that leverages community strengths at the 1) individual, 2) organizational, and 3) broader ecosystem levels. The LLTF relies on research, community engagement and technical expertise to develop a robust set of recommendations that will meet the needs of the community now and into the future.
The LLTF utilizes a four stage Information Processing Cycle to develop and refine recommendations for inclusion in the strategic plan.
- Gather information
- Includes primary and secondary research
- Share information
- Hard copies, internet (social media, website), meetings (Taskforce, task teams), etc.
- Obtain input
- Includes task teams, workshops, Sharing Circles (focus groups), surveys, interviews, etc.
- Develop/Refine recommendations
- Incorporate input into recommended strategic plan
Recommendations on a community decision-making process for the recommendations on lifelong learning will be determined through the process outlined in the answer to question #2 above. The LLTF wants to hear from community members on what is the best way to make this important community decision.
The recommendations being developed require several rounds of community input in order to ensure the needs of the community are being met in the recommendations. Although the community may have generated ideas and provided input on these same key areas previously, it is important that we verify these remain the recommended approach to improve our education system and ensure learners are well supported to achieve their aspirations now and into the future. This is why the 3rd stage of the Information Processing Cycle is “Obtain Input”.
Community members can become involved in several ways with varying levels of time commitment. Engagement opportunities range from volunteering to be part of a Task Team to answering a few questions online. The best way to pursue involvement is by being informed. Register on the LLTF website with your email address to ensure you are well informed of engagement opportunities as they arise.
If you have a particular interest, specific expertise, questions, comments and/or suggestions please email lifelonglearning@sixnations.ca to provide or obtain information.
The work that is underway presently is the development of recommendations on a lifelong learning education system. The recommended strategic plan will include recommendations on next steps, which will include a section on possible federal policy pitfalls for when/if negotiations with the federal government begin. We are aware that Six Nations Elected Council rejected the federal Indigenous Rights Framework via resolution at the General Council meeting on November 13, 2018 and sent letters to the Prime Minister stating their opposition as they viewed the proposed Framework as a significant threat to the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples and Treaty relationships. Furthermore, the letters stated that the Framework was a direct affront to true processes of decolonization. Any recommendations developed by the LLTF will adhere to this position.
The LLTF provides monthly updates to the Secretary of the HCCC with an offer to answer questions and provide clarity if required. The LLTF presented to the HCCC directly on October 2019 and requested they provide representation to the LLTF to ensure effective flow of communication and participation. There is currently no official representation on the LLTF from the HCCC. This initiative is for the benefit of all current and future learners in our community and the preservation of our languages, our culture and Nations. We continue to encourage the HCCC to provide their vast knowledge and wisdom into this community effort to develop recommendations on lifelong learning.
This initiative differs in several ways. The most significant way it differs is that it builds on all of the previous activities and initiatives that are undertaken by the community. Many key outcomes from previous initiatives and studies are used to build the foundation for this initiative. Federal policy around education has also changed significantly in the past several years, which provides new avenues for exploration. Finally, the mandate for the LLTF is much broader than previous initiatives as it encompasses the full lifelong learning continuum rather than focusing on a specific component of the learning journey.