On youth, education, and the Canadian future with Tchadas Leo
A recent national survey has found that aboriginal teens aged 15-19 generally share the same life goals as other Canadian adolescents, such as good jobs, homes and families. But according to the author, Reginald Bibby at University of Lethbridge, “The reality is that in many instances, it’s just going to be very, very difficult for aboriginal kids to realize the dreams and aspirations that they have.”
The survey comes as aboriginal leaders push hard for improved educational opportunities for First Nations peoples. On September 21st Assembly of First Nations national chief Shawn Atleo and others launched a week of nation-wide advocacy efforts in support of action on Aboriginal education.
In Edmonton last week the Senate committee on Aboriginal Peoples heard presentations from native leaders. Chairperson Gerry St. Germain spoke to closing the gaps between aboriginal and non-aboriginal children, saying “Everybody recognizes it’s a problem, everybody is talking about it, but nobody is really doing anything about it.”
We’re joined in the studio by the co-hosts of CHLY’s The Native Perspective, Tchadas Leo.
