ABORIGINAL FAMILY LITERACY INITIATIVE

Transcription

1 ABORIGINAL FAMILY LITERACY INITIATIVE Building a Movement to Promote, Support and Empower Aboriginal Family Literacy in British Columbia A Proposal and Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for 2008 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres

2 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres Mission Statement To improve the quality of life for Aboriginal Peoples, by supporting the activities of the Friendship Centres in BC

3 Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative Prepared by the Urban Aboriginal Family Literacy Working Group Aboriginal literacy is more than reading and writing. It is the beginning of a cradle to grave process that affirms the world view held by Indigenous peoples and thus empowers the spirit of Indigenous people and their families. BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres # Fort St. Victoria BC V8W 1E6 (250) / 5502 (fax)

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5 Table of Contents Executive Summary Introduction Background Project Goal Guiding Principles of the Initiative Project Objectives Expected Outcomes Need for Project Organizational Capacity Targeted Beneficiaries Project Duration Action Plan Final Evaluation Framework Dissemination and Communication Plan Sustainability Plan Project Budget Appendix A: What is Aboriginal Family Literacy? Appendix B: Tillicum Leelum A Best Practice in Aboriginal Family Literacy Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for 2008

6 2 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

7 Executive Summary This document was compiled by the British Columbia Urban Aboriginal Family Literacy Working Group. Our sincere thanks to all those who diligently worked at making this Strategy possible. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is a project developed by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. The aim of the project is to contribute to increased literacy among Aboriginal families in BC through the creation of a movement that will promote, support and empower Aboriginal family literacy. This initiative attempts to provide a coordinated, province-wide approach to addressing the urgent need in BC for literacy programs which are based on Aboriginal ways of knowing and learning, and which integrate literacy education into families, communities and homes. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative will address these needs through the implementation of a comprehensive capacity building and awareness campaign. The campaign s objectives are to: 1. support the provision of Aboriginal family literacy programming among literacy and Aboriginal social service providers in BC 2. increase access to Aboriginal-focused literacy approaches and resources for both literacy practitioners and Aboriginal families in BC 3. promote Aboriginal family literacy in BC through emphasizing the positive connection between literacy and Aboriginal culture These objectives will be achieved through the implementation of: a coordinating network of s involved in Aboriginal family literacy efforts in BC community initiatives and literacy promotion at the local Friendship Centre level development and delivery of literacy programs and services through local Friendship Centres creation of a literacy resource centre and learning library focused on Aboriginal family literacy a province-wide promotional and awareness campaign through TV, radio, posters and print media dissemination of Aboriginal family literacy resources and information to literacy service providers training and consultation services to build capacity around Aboriginal family literacy, and a province-wide conference held on International Literacy Day (September 8, 2008 and 2009) to promote, support and generate momentum around Aboriginal family literacy The BCAAFC acknowledges that literacy is one of the key challenges facing Aboriginal communities today, and that a clear and coordinated provincial approach to Aboriginal literacy must be developed in order to improve the quality of life for all Aboriginal people in BC. Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for 2008

8 Introduction Aboriginal education is, at its essence, learning about life through participation and relationship in community. Gregory Cajete, Aboriginal Education Scholar Currently, there is an urgent need in urban Aboriginal communities for literacy education that is based on Aboriginal ways of knowing and learning. As Aboriginal education scholar Gregory Cajete 1 states, only by acknowledging that Aboriginal education is informed by a different metaphor of teaching and learning than non-aboriginal education can productive insights into contemporary Aboriginal education be developed. However, despite the pressing need to address Aboriginalspecific literacy in British Columbia, there are no provincially coordinated literacy programs based on Aboriginal pedagogy and delivered by Aboriginal organizations. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is an attempt to address this significant gap in literacy services for Aboriginal people in British Columbia through the creation of an Aboriginal family literacy movement generated by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people. This movement would include increasing access to Aboriginal-focused literacy approaches and resources for both literacy practitioners and Aboriginal families in BC, the promotion of Aboriginal family literacy in BC by linking literacy to culture, and support for Aboriginal family literacy programming among literacy and Aboriginal social service providers in BC. The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is well positioned to take up the challenge of addressing urban Aboriginal literacy. Through its network of 24 Friendship Centres located throughout BC, which comprise the largest social service delivery system to Aboriginal people living off reserve in the province, the BCAAFC has both the organizational capacity and the geographical reach to undertake a project of this scope. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is a multi-year Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy designed by the Urban Aboriginal Family Literacy Working Group, in partnership with literacy organizations and provincial government representatives. The aim of the strategy is to address Aboriginal literacy in BC in a comprehensive and culturally appropriate manner. The purpose of this proposal is to acquire funds for the BCAAFC to implement the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for a three-year multi-stage Implementation Plan. The BCAAFC requires $1,506,200 each year to fund this initiative. Through the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative, the BCAAFC aims to increase capacity and awareness of, and support for urban Aboriginal family literacy initiatives throughout British Columbia. 1 Cajete, G. (1994) Look to the mountain: An ecology of indigenous education. Skyland, NC: Kivaki Press. BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

9 Background: Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy Literacy is not a luxury; it is a right and a responsibility. If our world is to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century, we must harness the energy and creativity of all our citizens. President Bill Clinton on International Literacy Day, September 8, 1994 On April 5-6, 2006, ten delegates from BC Friendship Centres attended a national consultation meeting in Ottawa regarding the development of an effective approach to family literacy. The meeting s main objectives were to strengthen the capacity of Friendship Centres to develop and deliver effective family literacy programs, as well as to provide direction on the approach for developing a multi-year family literacy initiative within the Friendship Centre movement. From this meeting, the BCAAFC formed the Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Working Group, consisting of ten Friendship Centre representatives. The purpose of this working is to bring together existing community-level expertise in Aboriginal family literacy, to build partnerships with other stakeholders and to steer the development and implementation of a multi-year Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative within the Friendship Centre movement. On May 24-25, 2007, the BCAAFC Urban Aboriginal Family Literacy Working Group met to begin the development of a draft strategy to address the literacy needs of Aboriginal peoples in BC. A Vision document was developed, which articulated the principles and program framework for the Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy. Subsequent working meetings included representatives from the Ministry for Children and Family Development, Ministry of Advanced Education, Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of Education. Discussions focused on developing a cooperative approach to the creation and implementation of a specific strategy addressing Aboriginal family literacy needs in BC. Purpose of the Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy The purpose of the strategy is to ensure that Aboriginal families have access to services, programs and supports that meet their needs and allow them to develop literacy skills in a holistic fashion. This strategy is designed to help Aboriginal people reach their full potential. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is based on the values, principles, visions, objectives and needs identified by urban Aboriginal communities across British Columbia during the information sharing and feedback discussion process that took place in the spring and summer of Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for 2008

10 Vision Statement The vision and ultimate purpose of the initiative is to ensure that all urban Aboriginal peoples in BC have the literacy skills that enable them to reach their potential in a process that is culturally relevant and holistic. This initiative comes out of the central vision of the Working Group for the future of Aboriginal family literacy. These visions, goals and objectives for literacy improvement in Aboriginal communities can take on particular importance as tools for individual and collective empowerment. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is inclusive of cultural and Aboriginal language literacy, which contributes towards a stronger sense of identity and community. The main goal of the working, through this plan, is to support and promote Aboriginal family literacy in BC. The BC Association of Friendship Centres, in collaboration with literacy stakeholders, presents this Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative in the spirit of optimism, co-operation, strength and friendship. We look forward to working with the public sector to demonstrate leadership in the areas of literacy for Aboriginal people. It is our hope that we will fill a much needed space to provide literacy programming, services, supports and resources to meet the needs of the Aboriginal community. BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

11 Project Goal The goal of the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is to contribute to increased literacy among Aboriginal families in BC through the creation of a movement that will promote, support and empower Aboriginal family literacy. This Aboriginal family literacy movement will promote Aboriginal family literacy by raising awareness about and increasing access to Aboriginal family literacy services and resources. It will support Aboriginal family literacy by providing ease of access for literacy service providers and learners to culturally appropriate Aboriginal resources and pedagogical practices, as well as research on Aboriginal literacy. Finally, this movement will empower Aboriginal family literacy by creating momentum around a coordinated provincial effort to implement successful and sustainable Aboriginal family literacy programs in BC. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is a comprehensive, multi-year Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy created by the Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Working Group of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. This strategy includes: widespread access to literacy services for urban Aboriginal people through the implementation of Aboriginal family literacy programs at 24 Friendship Centres in BC the development of sustainable funding strategies to support coordinated province-wide efforts to provide urban Aboriginal people with literacy services direct support for Aboriginal literacy service providers and ease of access to resources and materials on Aboriginal family literacy awareness and promotion of Aboriginal family literacy, and capacity building through the creation of accreditation and professional development programs in Aboriginal family literacy. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative described in this proposal represents a multi-pronged approach to addressing the serious issue of Aboriginal literacy in BC. This initiative focuses on creating capacity through Friendship Centres to deliver literacy programs and services, increase awareness and promotion, improve access to resources and materials, provide direct support for Aboriginal literacy service providers, and coordinate and collaborate on province-wide Aboriginal family literacy initiatives. The vision and ultimate purpose of the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is to ensure that all urban Aboriginal peoples in BC have literacy skills that enable them to reach their potential in a process that is culturally relevant, holistic and appropriate. Through creating, compiling, and publicizing Aboriginal-focused approaches to and resources for literacy training, this initiative aims to promote lifelong learning by reducing non-financial barriers to learning. Through supporting the creation and strengthening of Aboriginal family literacy programming, this initiative aims to facilitate the creation of opportunities for Aboriginals to acquire the learning, literacy and essential skills they need to participate in a knowledge-based economy and society. The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres is perfectly positioned to address serious gaps in literacy service provision to urban Aboriginal people through the implementation of the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative. Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for 2008

12 Guiding Principles of the Initiative These principles act as pillars and guideposts in the journey towards an inclusive Aboriginal literacy movement. The principles are the foundation that frames and imbues the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative. Culturally Appropriate It is essential to develop culturally appropriate and culturally relevant urban Aboriginal family literacy education. This includes holistic approaches to learning and teaching, materials that support and honour cultural learning and the involvement of Elders to provide their knowledge in literacy programs. It is important to have indigenous languages incorporated into literacy programs and for spiritual learning to be encouraged. Literacy programs for the Aboriginal community need to be developed in a holistic fashion, and indigenous content is needed with culturally appropriate instructors and practitioners. Family Centred Our pillar is the family because, as a concept in indigenous communities, it is integral to our philosophies and our ways of living. The family concept is a principle that is inclusive, holistic, flexible and collective. It is a concept that includes past, present and future family members and all aspects of life, animate and inanimate. Subsequently, it means that all members of the family are a source of strength and teachings that will be incorporated into the literacy implementation plan. A literacy plan with a family focus will include services aimed at the whole family, built on a holistic framework. A family-centred approach will further ensure relationship building and collaboration. Communities can build and support networks, partnerships and mentoring relationships. Driven by a familycentred framework, people will be treated with respect and will be encouraged to share their ideas. Diversity will be welcomed and valued. In addition, healing will also be a part of the learning circle. This plan will work to promote the understanding that Aboriginal literacy is a holistic process and is therefore connected to healing. Through the healing process of learning, healthy families will result. Capacity Building and Sustainability Capacity building means increasing the personal and collective knowledge, strength, skill and ability of Aboriginal peoples to plan, develop, implement, carry out, manage and evaluate literacy programs and services to the Aboriginal community. This principle promotes and sustains lifelong learning for all participants and focuses on improving the life phases of children, youth, adults and Elders. This principle reminds us that there is a great need to secure adequate long-term, multi-year funding in order to develop and build our capacity and ensure that literacy programs and services will be long lasting and appropriate. Success grows from long-term, sustained commitment to literacy learning. Accessibility All community members have the opportunity to be part of the planning process and the programs. Community members are respected and have a space to feel safe and secure. The barriers to participation in literacy and lifelong learning will be eliminated or significantly reduced. Every learner has the right of access to a quality education consistent with their needs and abilities. 8 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

13 Project Objectives LITERACY is the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential. Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative has the following three objectives: 1. Support the provision of Aboriginal family literacy programming among literacy and Aboriginal social service providers in BC The first objective is intended to build capacity among literacy practitioners to provide culturally appropriate Aboriginal family literacy programming, and is directed at the target of literacy service providers. Activities that fall under this objective will include the development and dissemination of training manuals and materials, development and delivery of literacy programs, consultation services to Aboriginal literacy initiatives, and training and in-person support for literacy programming at Friendship Centres. In addition, the first annual BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Conference will aim to promote and empower literacy service providers and organizations to develop, implement and/or strengthen culturally appropriate Aboriginal literacy strategies, and will further coordinate province-wide efforts around Aboriginal family literacy. 2. Increase access to Aboriginal-focused literacy approaches and resources for both literacy practitioners and Aboriginal families in BC This objective will complement and support objective #1 by combining promotion and awareness with greater access to resources. Again, this objective will target both urban Aboriginal people and literacy service providers through the creation of a combined resource centre and learning library that will house research on Aboriginal family literacy, teaching materials used in Aboriginal family literacy programming, and books and stories that emphasize Aboriginal experiences, traditions, stories and languages. This library and the accompanying online catalog will make it easy for literacy service providers to access information on Aboriginal family literacy, and at the same time provide Aboriginal people with a culturally familiar and welcoming place to come and check out Aboriginal-focused books or read together as families. 3. Promote Aboriginal family literacy in BC through emphasizing the positive connection between literacy and Aboriginal culture This objective has two target audiences: urban Aboriginal people in BC, and literacy service providers in BC. Promotion of family literacy to urban Aboriginal people will aim to raise their awareness about the importance and meaning of family literacy, link literacy with Aboriginal culture and languages in a positive way, and provide greater access to resources and learning materials that are culturally appropriate to Aboriginal literacy. This objective will be implemented through an extensive, multi-media promotional campaign that aims to get Aboriginal families reading in their homes and their communities. Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for 2008

14 Promotion of family literacy to the second target audience for this objective, literacy service providers, will aim to raise awareness about the importance of connecting literacy to Aboriginal culture, and will increase knowledge of and access to culturally appropriate Aboriginal literacy resources and techniques. This promotion will be achieved through the formation of partnerships, development of a province-wide network focused on Aboriginal literacy, presentations at conferences and meetings related to literacy or Aboriginal education and employment, and production of research and information papers on Aboriginal family literacy strategies and best practices. 10 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

15 Expected Outcomes The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative has both qualitative and quantitative outcomes for each objective. They are as follows: 1. Support the provision of Aboriginal family literacy programming among literacy and Aboriginal social service providers in BC Qualitative Outcomes Literacy programming in Friendship Centres is strengthened and integrated into family-focused programs Momentum over literacy programs is generated within Friendship Centres and other service providers for urban Aboriginal people Networking and collaboration between organizations providing literacy services to Aboriginal people in BC is strengthened Literacy service providers are empowered to implement culturally appropriate Aboriginal family literacy initiatives Quantitative Outcomes Increased numbers of literacy service providers create and implement Aboriginal family literacy programs Increased training resources on Aboriginal family literacy are available to literacy professionals Increased professional development opportunities for literacy professionals interested in Aboriginal family literacy 2. Increase access to Aboriginal-focused literacy approaches and resources for both literacy practitioners and Aboriginal families in BC Qualitative Outcomes Resources and materials related to Aboriginal family literacy are easily accessible Urban Aboriginal families in BC feel that their needs for culturally relevant reading materials are met Aboriginal families have a culturally friendly place to come and read together Gaps and areas for further development of Aboriginal literacy resources are identified Quantitative Outcomes Increased number of Aboriginal families access the Aboriginal literacy resource centre and learning library Increased number of literacy service providers access the Aboriginal literacy resource centre and learning library Increased number of literacy service providers use Aboriginal-focused resources and pedagogy in their programs for Aboriginal people Increased number of hits per month on online resource catalog for the Aboriginal literacy resource centre and learning library Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for

16 3. Promote Aboriginal family literacy in BC through emphasizing the positive connection between literacy and Aboriginal culture Qualitative Outcomes Urban Aboriginal families have a greater awareness of the importance of literacy Urban Aboriginal families have a better understanding of family and Aboriginal approaches to literacy, and of the importance of reading at home Urban Aboriginal families view literacy as supportive of Aboriginal culture Literacy service providers have a strengthened awareness of Aboriginal approaches to family literacy and the importance of employing Aboriginal pedagogy Quantitative Outcomes Increased number of urban Aboriginal families are aware of the importance of literacy Increased number of urban Aboriginal families are familiar with family and Aboriginal approaches to literacy Increased number of urban Aboriginal families engage in literacy programming Increased number of urban Aboriginal families read together at home Increased number of literacy service providers integrate family and Aboriginal approaches to literacy and literacy resources into their programs The outcomes described above empower and support literacy service providers to implement Aboriginal-specific approaches to family literacy. These outcomes ensure that Aboriginal families have access to services, programs and supports that meet their needs and allow them to develop literacy skills in a holistic fashion. 12 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

17 Need for Project Literacy is one of the major factors affecting access to employment for Canadians. As the Literacy BC Factsheet states, In today s information-based society and economy, literacy is more important than ever. The recent release of the Canadian data from the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS) in November 2005 revealed alarming facts about literacy in Canada. For example, 55% of Canadians do not have the minimum numeracy skills necessary to meet the information demands of today s world, and 14.6% of Canadians struggle with serious literacy challenges that involve difficulty with even the most basic written materials. Another 5.8 million Canadians (27%) can work with print information but not well. 2 While the IALSS report did not provide data on overall Aboriginal literacy in Canada, the areas that they did survey (urban Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory, as well as the Inuit population in Nunavut) 3 showed that Aboriginal people had literacy rates well below those of the general Canadian population. In addition, statistics on Aboriginal education that indicate that around 40% of Aboriginal people aged 25 through 64 have not completed high school, compared with around 20% for non-aboriginal Canadians 4, point to significantly lower levels of literacy for the Aboriginal population. Even those who have completed secondary education often do not have sufficient literacy skills, and it is not uncommon in Friendship Centres to encounter high school graduates who do not have a basic grasp of reading, writing and numeracy skills. The need for increased literacy skills among Aboriginal people is both a cause and effect of Aboriginal poverty. In a technology and skills-driven labour market, literacy challenges present a significant barrier to acquiring well-paid work. In addition, poverty presents barriers to educational success, contributing to low school completion rates and poor school performance. Thus, the vicious cycle of illiteracy and poverty continually reinforces itself at the expense of Aboriginal communities and families. Because of the urgent need for literacy programming in Aboriginal communities, the BCAAFC developed a Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Working Group consisting of ten Friendship Centre representatives. This working has identified gaps in Aboriginal literacy programming, and developed in cooperation with stakeholders from government and literacy associations a multi-year urban Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy that will address these gaps. This strategy will aim to address the following needs among Aboriginal communities in BC. 2 Literacy BC Fact Sheet, Why Literacy Matters, retrieved from 3 Building on Our Competencies: Canadian Results of the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey, retrieved from 4 Stats Canada, retrieved from Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for

18 A Coordinated Provincial Effort for Aboriginal Family Literacy The most significant gap identified by the working committee is that no provincially coordinated efforts in BC are specifically directed towards urban Aboriginal literacy. The largest provincial literacy organizations, Literacy NOW and Literacy BC, are non-aboriginal organizations, and although they provide services to Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal literacy is not their major focus. Literacy organizations at the provincial level are interested in how they can better serve Aboriginal people by accommodating Aboriginal culture and pedagogy. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative will work to provide those organizations, as well as organizations at the local level, with the expertise and resources needed to better serve Aboriginal communities. In addition, there is a need for greater coordination of literacy services within the Friendship Centres themselves. As the main point of access for urban Aboriginal people, the Friendship Centres have the greatest potential to promote literacy among this ; however, lack of sufficient funding or a coordinated approach prevents the Friendship Centres from harnessing that potential to the fullest. Aboriginal Pedagogy as well as Content Mainstream literacy programs are not based on Aboriginal content or pedagogy. Lately, there has been increased interest in including Aboriginal content in both the formal and non-formal education sectors in Canada. Thus, the number of literacy resources and books with Aboriginal content is increasing. However, research in the field of educational multiculturalism has shown that it is not enough to integrate Aboriginal content into courses. Pedagogy, meaning the style and mode of teaching, needs to change as well. This is especially pertinent in light of the negative experiences that Aboriginal people in Canada have historically had with the formal school system. Residential schools in BC only officially closed down a generation ago, and until recently little effort has been made to improve curriculum and pedagogy that is Euro-centric, assimilationist or racist in nature. This negative experience with the education system has contributed to a feeling of discomfort and mistrust among Aboriginal people in relation to formal schooling or non-formal education that resembles formal schooling. In addition, the traditional Aboriginal emphasis on oral cultures and ways of knowing can make literacy appear assimilationist and anti-culture. Finally, literacy approaches that focus on English alone deny the importance of Aboriginal people learning their own languages as well as that of mainstream society. In contrast, the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative attempts to promote and support literacy programming that is Aboriginal in content and pedagogy. For example, reading together with family and community is a more natural approach to literacy for Aboriginal people than a classroom-based, age-segregated approach. In addition, literacy programs that integrate Aboriginal languages into their approaches will strengthen the notion that literacy is part of culture, rather than against culture. Finally, the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative approaches literacy as not just working well with printed material and numbers, but as an improved holistic communication skill in line with traditional Aboriginal emphasis on communication and story telling. 14 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

19 A Family Literacy Approach 5 Using a family-oriented approach to literacy, instead of teaching literacy separately to different age s, is ideal in the context of Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal pedagogy stresses learning in relationship with one s family and community, and thus family literacy is a natural approach to learning for Aboriginal people. However, current literacy programming in Friendship Centres usually teaches parents, children and other adults in separate s. By not integrating literacy into the daily lives of families, the opportunity to make literacy a natural and essential part of families lifestyles is lost. In addition, research has shown that literacy is an intergenerational issue. Parents with low literacy skills more frequently have children with low literacy skills. This is related to the cycle of poverty, because the literacy skills of parents directly affects a family s income, health and overall quality of life, making it harder for their children to acquire sufficient literacy skills 6. Because of the Friendship Centres strong emphasis on family-oriented programming and parenting training, they are well poised to integrate family literacy into their service provision. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative will work to promote Aboriginal family literacy and support Friendship Centres in integrating family literacy efforts. Access to Aboriginal Literacy Resources and Approaches The Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Working Group has identified a need in BC for a centralized location to access resources on Aboriginal literacy, family literacy and Aboriginal pedagogy. Although BC has a literacy resource centre, hosted by Literacy BC, and other online literacy resource centres exist in Canada, no literacy resource centres are specifically focused on Aboriginal literacy. Organizations, both Aboriginal and non-aboriginal, that want to provide Aboriginal approaches to literacy programming or access culturally appropriate learning resources, lack a place to turn to for the expertise and materials they need to implement such approaches. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative will address this need by creating a clearinghouse of research, teaching materials, reading materials and other resources related to Aboriginal literacy. Thus, this initiative will both advise literacy agencies on Aboriginal approaches to implementing literacy programming, and provide them with access to the resources to do so. In addition, direct access to Aboriginal literacy resources and approaches through the BCAAFC will provide Friendship Centre Aboriginal family literacy programs with the much needed support and information they are currently lacking. 5 See Appendix B, What is Aboriginal Family Literacy? for more information on family literacy. 6 Building on Our Competencies: Canadian Results of the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey, retrieved from Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for

20 Organizational Capacity The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is uniquely positioned to implement the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative. BCAAFC is a provincial umbrella organization which works to support the 24 Friendship Centres in BC. Friendship Centres are social service agencies which are run by Aboriginal people and serve urban Aboriginal communities. Collectively, Aboriginal Friendship Centres are the largest provider of social programs and services to Aboriginal Peoples living off reserve in British Columbia. In 2004 they delivered 372 programs and provided 273,487 points of service. The BC Friendship Centre movement forms a network with a shared vision of Aboriginal health and community well-being, a common base of support through the BCAAFC, and a Board of Directors comprised of leaders from every centre. The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres supports this large service infrastructure by providing a number of direct and indirect capacity building and support services to its 24 member centres. BCAAFC provides a voice for Friendship Centres and the urban Aboriginal communities they serve, representing the concerns of centres in regional, provincial and national governance processes. The Friendship Centres have a unique approach to service provision for Aboriginal families. In the Friendship Centre model, culture and community are integrated with the provision of education, health and social services programming. Friendship Centres provide both a safe and culturally familiar place for Aboriginal people to gather together in community, while at the same time offering services to address the challenges urban Aboriginal people face. Thus, under one roof Friendship Centres provide such diverse programming as adult basic education, early childhood education, cultural and language revitalization, parenting skills courses, drug and alcohol counselling, youth programming, health services, employment services, housing initiatives and many more. In fact, some centres deliver more than 20 distinct programs and one centre delivers 33 separate services. Friendship Centres are also unique in that they provide services for Aboriginal people, by Aboriginal people, and thus naturally design and implement programs that are culturally relevant to Aboriginal people. In addition, Friendship Centres operate on an open door policy, serving people who are status, non-status, Métis or from other backgrounds. 16 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

21 Because of their unique and integrated approach, the Friendship Centres are increasingly regarded by urban Aboriginal peoples as the preferred point of contact for addressing any issue or concern and for maintaining contact with their community. Their culturally relevant and community-oriented service delivery model make Friendship Centres the ideal agency to effectively develop and deliver the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative. Not only are they committed to improving the quality of life of Aboriginal people through programs emphasizing family, culture, community and personal development, but they also have the infrastructure in place for family literacy programming. Current efforts in the areas of literacy development and family programming include: Direct literacy programming, including Adult Basic Education, programs designated specifically for low-level literacy learners and early childhood education Non-formal education, including after-school tutoring, employment training and lifeskills programming Formal education, including alternative schools and supervised home-schooling Parenting training, including Aboriginal infant development programs, parenting circles and family support worker services Family cultural programming, including drum nights, art and language s, healing circles, community dinners and an unlimited variety of family-oriented special events Family friendly approach, including daycare services, welcoming children of staff members and clients and a community-oriented atmosphere The Friendship Centres experience and expertise in education, literacy and family programming mean that they are perfectly poised to adopt an integrated family literacy approach. However, most centres face challenges around funding family literacy programs, and literacy programming is usually confined to specific programs based on funding criteria defined from outside the Friendship Centres. Thus, there is a need to support the development of integrated and holistic family literacy approaches within Friendship Centres. Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for

22 Targeted Beneficiaries The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative has the following two s of targeted beneficiaries: 1. Urban Aboriginal Families in BC Recent statistics on Aboriginal people in Canada reveal that 50 to 70 per cent of the total Aboriginal population resides in urban areas. These individuals may be status-aboriginal, Métis, non-status Aboriginal people or Inuit people. Aboriginal people in urban areas have higher rates of unemployment, earn less when employed, have lower educational levels and face increased barriers to education when compared to non-aboriginal people in Canada. Although no exact statistics on urban Aboriginal literacy exist, both anecdotal/experiential evidence and related indicators (such as education, employment and family income statistics) point to significantly lower rates of literacy for urban Aboriginal people than for the general population. In addition, Aboriginal people living in urban areas do not typically have access to the education, health and social services provided by their band or home community. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative attempts to address the gap in literacy services directed towards urban Aboriginal people. Urban Aboriginal families will benefit from this initiative by gaining increased awareness of the importance of holistic family approaches to literacy, receiving improved access to Aboriginal family literacy services and resources, and experiencing greater integration between literacy and Aboriginal culture. Through these services, the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative hopes to encourage and support reading and literacy among Aboriginal families at home, in schools and in their communities in order to improve the literacy skills of urban Aboriginal people and break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Approximately 170,000 Aboriginal people live in BC, with about 100,000 of them living in cities 7. It is estimated that the public awareness campaign will reach 75 per cent of the total Aboriginal population in BC (127,500 people). Collection of data on the percentage of this population that accesses literacy services or reads at home is outside the scope of this project. However, it is estimated that people will access these literacy services through Friendship Centres, and even more Aboriginal people will benefit from improved services provided by other literacy organizations. 2. Literacy Service Providers in BC There is currently a wide range of literacy services and programs throughout BC. While some of these programs are run by or directed towards Aboriginal people, the majority of programs that serve Aboriginal clients do not provide Aboriginal-specific programs or resources. The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative will target literacy service providers in BC to increase their awareness of the need for Aboriginal resources and pedagogy in literacy services, and empower them to integrate those resources and pedagogies into their existing programs, or to create and implement new programs with a specific focus on Aboriginal literacy. Through a coordinated, provincewide approach, the Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative will strengthen literacy service providers knowledge of, ability to make use of, and implementation of Aboriginal family literacy skills and best practices. 7 Data from the 2001 Canadian Census, retrieved from companion/abor/canada.cfm#6 18 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

23 Project Duration The Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative is a three-year initiative which is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2008 and end on March 31, Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for

24 20 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

25 Action Plan ACTION PLAN Year ONE: April 1, 2008 March 31, 2009 Activity Responsibility Timeline Resources Deliverables Hire Provincial Aboriginal Literacy Coordinator Conduct needs assessment of Aboriginal Family Literacy in BC Create action plan for supporting Aboriginal literacy in Friendship Centres and other programs (based on results of needs assessment) Form Friendship Centre (FC) Develop training manual and materials for Aboriginal family literacy programs Disseminate training manual and materials BCAAFC Executive Director Aboriginal Literacy Coordinator (ALC) Project Initiation April 2008 May June 2008 Funds to publicize call for applicants ALC salary Phone calls Survey distribution Three-year contract with provincial coordinator secured Report on status of Aboriginal family literacy in BC ALC June 2008 ALC salary Action plan completed ALC and participating FC staff members June July 2008 ALC salary, conference calls, FC funds Objective One: Support the provision of Aboriginal family literacy programming among literacy and Aboriginal social service providers in BC: Capacity Building Provide consultation services to Aboriginal literacy initiatives Provide support (in person or from BCAAFC) for literacy programming at FCs Provide training to FCs on how to develop and deliver literacy programs Local Friendship Centres develop and deliver literacy programs tailored to the needs of local Aboriginal families ALC and FC August September 2008 ALC September November 2008 ALC and FC ALC and FC ALC and FC Participating FC staff members December January 2008 April 2008 March 2009 May 2008 March 2009 May 2008 March 2009 ALC salary Printing and production costs Distribution costs ALC Salary ALC Salary Friendship Centre travel costs ALC Salary Friendship Centre travel costs Local Friendship Centre literacy programming funds 5-member FC literacy expertise Training manual on Aboriginal family literacy Training manual distributed Regular advice provided and e- newsletters distributed Support provided as needed Training conducted at 5-10 centres Each FC delivers literacy services to Aboriginal community and families Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for

26 Activity Responsibility Timeline Resources Deliverables Collect research on Aboriginal family literacy, teaching materials for Aboriginal family literacy programming, and books and stories that emphasize Aboriginal traditions, stories and languages Open literacy resource centre and reading library Publicize literacy resource centre and reading library Develop online catalog of resources available in library Objective Two: Increase access to Aboriginal-focused literacy approaches and resources for both literacy practitioners and Aboriginal families in BC Target Group: Literacy Service Providers in BC ALC and FC ALC April 2008 March 2009 September 2008 ALC August 2008 November 2008 ALC and Information Technology consultants March November 2008 ALC Salary Resource funds Resource Funds Lease for centre Graphic design consultants, distribution of publicity IT consultants Literacy resource centre and reading library gathered Literacy resource centre and reading library opened Ads and press releases/conferences publicizing literacy resource centre Online catalog for literacy resource centre Activity Responsibility Timeline Resources Deliverables Objective Three: Promote Aboriginal family literacy in BC through emphasizing the positive connection between literacy and Aboriginal culture Target Group: Literacy Service Providers in BC Create a coordinated network of literacy service providers in BC specifically interested in Aboriginal Family Literacy Attend conferences and meetings 8 to present on Aboriginal approaches to family literacy Produce research paper on Aboriginal family literacy best practices Disseminate information on resources and approaches to family literacy ALC April 2008 March 2009 ALC April 2008 March 2009 ALC April September 2008 ALC April 2008 March 2009 ALC salary, conference travel funds ALC salary, conference travel funds ALC salary ALC salary, distribution costs Establishment of literacy service providers network Presentations on Aboriginal family literacy at 5-10 events Report presented at first annual Aboriginal family literacy conference, and distributed widely Information distribution when requested 8 The specific conferences and meetings to be attended will be determined during the needs assessment, and as invitations to attend arise. 22 BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC)

27 Activity Responsibility Timeline Resources Deliverables Objective One: Support the provision of Aboriginal family literacy programming among literacy and Aboriginal social service providers in BC: Aboriginal Literacy Conference Plan and publicize first annual Aboriginal literacy conference in BC Hold first annual Aboriginal literacy conference in BC with workshops that focus on training for Aboriginal approaches to literacy and the concept of family literacy Disseminate best practices and successes from promotional campaign at conference Involve conference participants in provincial network on Aboriginal family literacy ALC, FC literacy expertise, and BCAAFC support staff ALC, FC literacy expertise, and BCAAFC support staff ALC, FC literacy expertise, and BCAAFC support staff ALC, FC literacy expertise, and BCAAFC support staff March September 2008 September 8-9, 2008 (for International Literacy Day) September 8-9, 2008 September 8-9, 2008 ALC Salary, BCAAFC admin costs, conference funds ALC Salary, BCAAFC admin costs, conference funds ALC Salary, conference funds ALC Salary, conference funds Evaluation, Sustainability and Information Dissemination Evaluate program success ALC March 2009 ALC salary Survey dissemination Develop five-year plan for continued programming Develop proposals for other components of Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy Seek sustained funding for Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy Disseminate results of Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative ALC and FC March 2009 ALC April 2008 March 2009 BCAAFC Executive Director April 2008 March 2009 ALC salary, travel for meeting of FC ALC Salary BCAAFC admin costs ALC March 2009 ALC salary, distribution costs First annual Aboriginal literacy conference well planned and well attended First annual Aboriginal literacy conference held Workshop offered on promotional campaign Increased membership for provincial network Yearly evaluation report Five-year Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy plan Proposals to fund Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy Funding secured for Provincial Aboriginal Family Literacy Strategy Yearly evaluation report distributed Implementation Plan for the BC Aboriginal Family Literacy Initiative for