Native education policy in limbo

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The long-awaited release of Alberta's Native education policy continues to sit in the wings while educators, Natives and those concerned with the educational welfare of Native students can only second-guess what lies in store.

When contacted by Windspeaker, Darrell Osbaldeston, executive assistant to education Minister Nancy Betkowski, assured us that the policy will be released, but just when remains unknown.

The development and application of a Native education was one of the major recommendations which grew out of Ron Ghitter's provincial Committee on Tolerance and Understanding over two years ago!

One of the problems explained Osbaldeston, is that of finances.

Yet another reason for the delay has been the rotation of ministers. Since the Committee on Tolerance and Understanding released its recommendations, Alberta is now under its third minister for education from David King to Neil Webber to the current minister, Nancy Betkowski. Such changes require each new minister to familiarize themselves with the issues of Native education and that is not accomplished overnight.

Still another interested party is the Native Education Project of Alberta Education, headed up by director Ralph Sabey. He feels quite comfortable that the policy will be affected and a sustaining budget will also be released to help see that Native pupils are given the opportunity to mount the podium of education on an equal footing with the rest of society.

Exactly what the policy will say and provide for us is difficult to ascertain without knowing just yet what kind of monies there are to work with. In these times of educational restraints when school boards are being told that they'll have to tighten their belts, financial aid poses a very large question mark.

Until a specific amount of money has been arrived at, the policy will undoubtedly remain on hold. It is hoped that a formal announcement will be forthcoming early in the New Year.