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1972: An Innovation in Curriculum Resource Development

Larger Version

The University began a new educational initiative in the summer of 1972, enabling native students to develop curriculum resources for use by natives.  It was the first project of its kind in Canada.

Twelve students, 11 of them First Nations from Saskatchewan, were hired for a 4-month pilot project to develop specialized curriculum materials and instructional aids dealing with native culture.  The materials were developed for use in elementary and secondary schools, and were tested by the University’s Indian and Northern Education Program in a variety of school situations.  The materials developed included multi-media kits, including learning tapes in Cree, Chippewa and Sioux.1

Father Andre Renaud, head of the program, recognized the educational component worked both ways: “While the young Indian people are learning about our techniques, we are becoming familiar with their viewpoints on various matters.”

Larger Version

This programme was the first in a series of innovative educational programs for native students.  In 1973, there were only 13 teachers of First Nations ancestry in Saskatchewan   That year, the first Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) was established; by 1995, the program had graduated between 450-500 students.  By 1996, over 50 graduates had completed advanced study or were enrolled in the College of Graduate Studies.  So successful was this program that others were soon established: the Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP), and the Saskatchewan Urban Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP), as well as a teacher education program at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.

Renaud was credited with having “had a lasting effect on cross-cultural education.”  His graduate students noted “the revitalization of purpose and the dedication to cultural principles profoundly influenced the careers of hundreds of teachers who in their turn...influenced thousands of children.”2


Related Collections

Indian and Northern Education Program fonds, RG 2079.

Images

1972a: Simon Paul and Walter Sparvier editing. Photograph Collection, A-8649.
1972b: Father Renaud in his office. Photograph Collection, A-5353.

Sources

1. University News, vol. 4 no. 5, April 1972. University Publications Collection.
2. Faculty Biographies Collection, A. Renaud file.

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