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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, June 14, 2013 | 10 Students need to be taught more about First Nations by Sheeba Hasan Grade 12, Iroquois Ridge H.S. W henever the subject of First Nations and the humanitarian issues of the people arise, there tends to be two kinds of groups talking -- there are those who are educated about the culture, history, and current issues surrounding the indigenous peoples. These are the minority, as the majority of people know very little in facts about our First Nations. The sad truth of the matter is that most Canadians do not know what it's like to be a member of a First Nations. They know not of the poor housing conditions, difficulties with healthcare or educational opportunities on reserves. But can they really be blamed for this? Whose fault is it that a lot of the experience most people have with Aboriginal people, culture, and issues begins and ends with movies or what's seen on TV. When one analyses the facts, it becomes fairly obvious that the problem lies not entirely on the shoulders of everyday people, but rather the way in which they are educated. In my experience, children begin to learn about the history of this land in Grade 3, and it always starts with colonialism. Of course teachers are obligated to mention one or two things about our First Nations, which is why we end up with our vast knowledge of moccasins, tepees, and bows and arrows. Even the simplest of things, like the names of the different First Nations communities are usually not mentioned. Other than the Inuit and prominent names like Mohawk, how many do we really learn? How many people can actually name the five nations of the Iroquois confederacy? see Achievements on p.12 Writing Homework Math French Pre-K to Grade 12 Grammar The Best s Come From Understanding Approach the process of learning properly and you wind up creating more than hard-working students with good marks. You build motivated, self-assured, independent thinkers who really understand what they learn. That means better grades...on every test, in every subject, and on every report card. A' Reading Study Skills Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com Oakville South 905.849.4027 oakvillesouth@oxfordlearning.com Oakville North East 905.257.1207 oakvillene@oxfordlearning.com Oakville North 905.469.1929 oakville@oxfordlearning.com FIND OUT MORE AND TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE TODAY! PARTNER EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL OAKVILLE OPTOMETRY #300, 1235 TRAFALGAR ROAD OAKVILLE L6H 3P1 SEE COMPLETE LIST AT VEDI.CA ® Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aimia Canada Inc.