THE SPECIAL needs of First Nations children are being met through education and career preparation efforts of their own people.

With the absence of band- or Fist Nations-controlled schools above pre-school, Squamish Nation education director

Deborah Jacobs must watch out for the needs of their children within the mainstream school system.

“We have a relationship with the schools that the kids at- tend.”

Some of the things provided fos by the Squamish Nation, within some of the mainstream schools, are counselling, because there are no native counsellors within the system, financlat support for tutors or learning-assistance programs,

Pan,

and Squomish language in- struction. ~

“Kids need somebody to talk to, and they want to talk to one of their-own. Squamish children have some overwhelming needs.” :

. Some of the things they are fighting for is to have the school system recognize some of those needs by, for exampie, recognizing the Squamish lan- guage as a language require- ment for post-secondary studies.

“We need major changes fo make school more palatable for First Nations kids.”

One of those changes is to take First Nations students out of the modified programs if they want to be in the mainstream.

One student who wanied to study law was not taking aca- demic courses and was told he could not go on fo university.

With the support of the Squamish Nation, he started over with an academic course load that would take him in the direction he wanted to go.

“Most children don't feel strong enough to say no when

other people are making deci- sions for them.

“Our children are one to three grade levels below non-native students.”

This lower academic re stancing

Pai aS ‘aig

PRES HRS

can be caused by cultural dif- ferences, learning styles, and levels of readiness, she expiain- ed.

But help from the Sauamish Nation can boost their academ- ic standings, and their con- fidence levels — making Squamish children more com- fortable with school.

* Jacobs said 10% of their Children are now going on fo post-secondary studies.

“We are very encouraged by that.”

Other signs of success are the lowering of the average age of post-secondary students as well as having fewer high school dropouts, she said.

Stil. many graduates have trouble finding work.

The Squamish Nation has become a sponsor for Sutherland's cooperative pro- gram, taking on high school stucienis as band employees for short periods of time.

The fact that some graduates have the credentials and expe- rience to get jobs, yet are not securing jobs, is still cause for concern about the “undercur- rents of attitudes” among potential employers, said Jacobs.

Some graduates — despite those credentials and experi- ence — are going back fo the tried-and-true seasonal jobs that don’t help their long-term employment picture.

Such programs as cost-shar- ing help ease that probiem, she said. Through this program the Squamish Nation will pay part of a new employee's salary to get them started in the field.

The ultimate goal is that these young people will not have to depend on their band for employment.

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Wednesday, May 13, 1992 - North Shore News - 48

DANIEL M. JARVIS, MLA NORTH VANCOUVER-SEYMOUR

#4, 1501 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 2B1 Phone: 984-2692

Fax: 775-1061

lf you are not always happy with what you hear or see on the news, YOU can help make changes BUT you need to know the issues — and this is what education is about.

You CAN make a difference — but you need to learn how.

if |! can give you any help or encouragement, please con- tact my office.

Also, please feel welcome to come into our office to read Hansard, or for pamphlets or other general information we have available. We have direct access to the Provincial Government.

The office is open Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

el

At Work Serving Our Community

With a staff of more than 500 committed to excellence in local government, the District provides a wide range of services, programs and facilities Which contribute to the quality of life in our community. :

Services include areas such as public works, parks, engineering, finance, environmental and fire protection, library services, health, recreation, planning and administrative services. These many areas provide the following opportunities with a dynamic and progressive organization in your community:

» Career Opportunities

— offering a diverse rang2 of employment opportunities, from entry level, technical, operational to management positions

» Summer Job Opportunities ~~ providing employment and work experience while you continue your education

» Equal Employment Opportunities — we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those in- terested in working with the District.

You will find more information on career and employment opportunities at our booth on Career Night or by contacting us at 987-7131. We look forward to meeting with you on

May 20th at the Job Fair.