Building on Indigenous capacity: opportunities for self-determination through post-secondary education in Wasagamack First Nation
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Date
2020
Authors
Hasan, Tawfiq
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Abstract
This research compares the post-secondary education programs from seven public universities and colleges in Manitoba to determine whether they meet the needs of Indigenous peoples, particularly for remote Indigenous communities. In this thesis, post-secondary education needs for employments and community economic development for the youth of Wasagamack First Nation (WFN) are explored as a case study. This thesis analyzes the available options for educational attainment related to self-determination in Indigenous communities. I apply semi-structured interviews and document review methods to review the numerous programs of post-secondary education institutions in Manitoba. Data shows that off-reserve education programs are not currently able to meet the cultural and self-determination needs of Indigenous youth from remote communities and that post-secondary education program is rare on-reserve. Post-secondary universities or colleges offer cost-recovery pre-employment programs in remote communities, but these are cost-prohibitive without any government subsidy. Most of these courses are off-the-shelve rather than community-led with little consideration of community needs. However, a private Aboriginal post-secondary program is piloting a program in WFN that provides a community-led education using local natural, social and economic capitals to build capacity and housing. The government funding and supports provided are minimal and short-term. In conclusion, the thesis discusses the importance of Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations for post-secondary institutions to enable self-determination for Indigenous communities through consultation and partnership.
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Keywords
Indigenous Self-Determination, Social Enterprise, Capacity Building, Post-Secondary Education