M.A. Thesis, Trent University, 2000

Rhonda L. Paulsen

The purpose of this research is to establish the value of Indigenous culture-based alternative forms of education as opposed to the mainstream educational system, as measured by the successful completion of secondary school by Indigenous students. In order to ensure that the data represent the study group of Indigenous students, in-depth and unstructured interviews were conducted with all participants on an individual basis that enabled them to tell their own story in their own way.

This study focuses on one group of Anishinabek students who have attended both educational streams. Through a qualitative research process, their stories unfold and reveal information that leads to an understanding of the high truancy and attrition rates among Indigenous students. The findings indicate that these particular students, who had difficulties in mainstream situations but were successful in culturally inclusive settings, identified the important features of successful education to be: 1) language; 2) tradition; and 3) culture, which then builds self-esteem and sense of identity for the students.

The results of this study are useful specifically to the two communities in which the research was conducted – M’Chigeeng and Wikwemikong, both on Manitoulin Island in Ontario – and more generally to the mainstream systems and other culture-based education programs. As well, the material can be used to instigate future research in this area of study.