The Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) is hoping a new position will strengthen the relationship between the schools and aboriginal communities.
The Lakeland Catholic School District (LCSD) is hoping a new position will strengthen the relationship between the schools and aboriginal communities.
Last week, the district announced that David Janiver would be filling the role of Elder in Residence. A former Cold Lake First Nations band councillor for one, Janvier was born in Cold Lake and currently resides on Cold Lake First Nations.
"What made me really want to work here and help is because it's focused with our young people - not only First Nations and Métis, but our non-native relatives and visitors from other parts of the country," said Janiver. "My goal is for students to understand the aboriginal side and people in the Lakeland area, to bridge the gap of understanding of the culture, the land, and preservation of our language."
Janvier has worked at various places as a social worker and conducts workshops and cultural ceremonies throughout western Canada.
As the Elder in Residence, he will be working as part of the district's Building Collaboration and Capacity in Education Program. In collaboration with LCSD First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) coordinator Val Hanson, Janvier will be liaising between schools and neighbouring aboriginal communities.
"My job consists of working with a kaleidoscope of people, right from the school trustees and principals (to lots of teachers and students). I have eight schools that I'm going to be working with in the Lakeland Catholic School District."
The purpose of the project is to provide students and staff of all walks of life the ability to learn from one another, highlighting aboriginal history and culture and empowering FNMI students in the schools.
In his new role, the Elder in Residence will be working with students of all grade levels. The program includes cultural teachings, story telling, ceremonies such as a pipe ceremony, and working along with the Catholic priest.
"It can range from a simple classroom visit, to praying, to teaching them about ceremony by going into the classroom and teaching them how to set up a teepee."
Since starting his position on Sept. 12, Janiver has already been introducing himself in local schools. He hopes that by being present in the schools, it may encourage aboriginal students to continue with their studies.
"The statistics show that a lot of our people are uneducated, have higher drop out rates, and higher crime rates, even though they went to school. Maybe if they see a role model like me going from school to school, maybe then the enrolment will go up. Instead of these kids missing class, maybe they'll think 'Dave, or whatever they want to call me, he's going to be there today.'"
Janvier will also be actively engaging with Cold Lake First Nations, Elizabeth Métis Settlement, and other bands across the area to let them know there is someone working with the LCSD schools in this capacity, and help strengthen relationships.
While he may just be getting started, Janvier has high hopes for the program.
"I sincerely think that this initiative from the Catholic school board will be an outreach for future generations to come. If this goes right off the fly, and goes well, I think there'll be a lot of positives."
