Page 71 - Six Nations Community Plan 2019

EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION: WHAT WE HEARD AROUND THE TABLE…

Where we have come from:

As Haudenosaunee people, education is a lifelong journey for us. From the womb until we pass onto the spirit world we learn to
listen and think with a good mind. Traditionally, work in the community was based on developing our gifts, and so we all have
a role which nurtured our self-esteem. Residential schools over several generations have hurt our relationship with education,
as have curriculums and measuring tools based on western values and norms. Because of these and other factors, we have
approached education with caution and a culture of education has been slow to build in the community.

Where we are today:

Every year, more and more of our people are graduating from schooling that prepares them for jobs which empower them.
Still, our education system is unfairly compared to more well-funded systems and with a Western lens that tells us our ways are
not good enough. We are making great strides in integrating Haudenosaunee language and culture into our education. Our
young people have also expressed a need to be stimulated mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually through experiential
and holistic learning. They crave more meaningful and personalized education.

With regards to employment, today’s consumer-driven society distracts us from a sense of responsibility of working for
the community as we pursue wealth and focus on “what you have” not “what you can give”. Many who choose to work in
the community may not be compensated for the hard work that they do. Those who pursue higher education to help the
community are often confronted with limited job options and pay, and may leave home for better opportunities. Despite these
challenges, we have a growing local economy that employs many of our people and keeps them close to home.

How we will move into the future:

We will rebuild our community by focusing on the youth and coming faces. Education and employment are important tools
that help us strive for self-sufficiency. Learning how to speak, have a good mind and healthy relationships lay a foundation of
education as healing. An education system based on Haudenosaunee culture will lead to our people identifying and building
their strengths so they can confidently contribute to the community through employment. When we invest in learning our
culture and language, we are protecting who we are for future generations. Revitalizing our education and employment will
strengthen the community by having more of our people at home.

Our Vision for the future is that…

“Six Nations is a community where all have access to holistic
education that centres around our culture and prepares our
people for employment opportunities in all fields.”

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