Blood band debates education takeover

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With the issue of the education takeover going to referendum March 17, it is still as emotional and controversial as ever.

When the Bloods assumed control of the three federal schools and administered the tuition agreements for an estimated 2,000 Blood students attending off-reserve schools last April, it was without the blessing of a vocal opposition group.

Once the Blood education board obtained 50 per cent of the eligible voters, they promised the move was "a trial basis" and a referendum would be held a year later so that band members could decide whether to continue with band control of Native education or revert it back to Indian Affairs.

Now, almost a year later, opponents of the education takeover still maintain Native education is not any better than when it was under Indian Affairs.

Mike Beebee, an original member of the Parent Advisory committee, who later strongly voiced his opposition to the education takeover, took issue with education director Dr. Pier De Poala assertions that reserve education has improved.

"It's no better than when Indian Affairs had control," said Beebee in a telephone interview. "The attendance (in reserve schools) is very poor and the drop out rate is high, too."

Beebee said band members were enticed to allow the education board to take over education because they believed more jobs would be created on the reserve. "They were just concerned about jobs, instead of the future of our children."

Beebee charges some education funds were channelled into unrelated education projects. For instance, he says, a $20 bonus was given to a reserve bus driver who transported students on time each month.

"That's part of their (bus drivers) responsibility anyways. They are supposed to get the students to school on time," he said. "That $20 could have been better spent."

However, Narcisse Blood, education committee member, said he believes "the education takeover is in our best interest."

"Yes, we do have problems. There has always been a high drop out rate and poor attendance even during Indian Affairs time.

"The difference is that Indian Affairs was indifferent to the problem. Now, as parents, teachers, students and not just the tribal council can do something about it. We can't blame Indian Affairs anymore."

Blood explained that the referendum is only seeking the approval of taking over the reserve schools and continue negotiating tuition agreements for off-reserve Native students. "The post-secondary school situation and Red Crow College are separate matters. We're doing one time at a time. If we get approval, then we'll continue with our opposition in the Indian Affairs proposal to reduce the weeks for university students. Then, we'll try to get accreditation for Red Crow college," he said.

Blood said opponents of the education takeover want to magnify the problem prior o the referendum. "Where were these people when Indian Affairs controlled education. They didn't scrutinize them," he said.