INTRODUCTION
Omushkego Education has evolved into a regional educational
organization whose primary function is to support our First
Nation communities, their respective Education Authorities,
Education Departments, Day Cares and Schools by way of curriculum
development and support services.To that end, our renewed
Mission Statement clearly explains what we care about, our
values, our beliefs, the contributions we want to make, serving
as a foundation for the future.
As
educators and life long learners, we concluded that we are
- MUSHKEGOWUK, Swampy Cree whose traditional lands and harvesting
areas begin as far inland as Missanabie, extending north on
the Western side of James Bay to Peawanuck.
PURPOSE
Omushkego Education is a regional educational partnership
of First Nation Communities active within Mushkegowuk Council.
Local Educational leaders determined long ago that it was
essential to collaborate, network, and communicate on a consistent
basis to address the multifaceted needs and aspirations of
our communities.
The
role of this association is to collaborate and cooperate in
such ways as to;
-
promote and maintain a Cree Vision for future generations
through Language & Culture
-
promote and maintain a regional focus and voice on educational
issues
-
promote strong and productive relationships with all partners
in education
-
provide advise, support and assistance to Education Authorities,
Education Departments, Day Cares, and Schools
-
promote, develop, implement regional Cree language &
culture curriculum
-
provide support services to Bill C-31 post school students
-
review and monitor provincial and federal education policies
and guidelines
-
establish Omushkego Institute to develop linkages and partnerships
for certification programs of various post-secondary institutes
-
lobby for regional educational funding and curriculum support
services
-
administer regional project funds such as Summer Science
Camps
-
plan, coordinate and implement annual regional education
conference such as the "Great Moon Gathering"
-
attend all Board of Chiefs meetings to inform and seek political
support
BACKGROUND
When Europeans first came into contact with our forefathers
in the James Bay area, they were able to observe well established
education practices, practices that supported community values,
beliefs, traditions, needs, and aspirations. Our parents and
Elders provided the youth with life skills necessary for their
future roles within their families and communities.
This
historical period in Local Indian Education was the only time
when training or schooling for Indian children was designed,
planned and implemented by our own Indian people. The Local
Education system was culturally relevant and prepared children
and our young adolescents for the environment in which they
were to live. This is a common goal you will find in our education
system today.
With
the creation and establishment of Education Authorities, significant
changes have occurred in our communities. Through the development
and establishment of Elementary and Secondary Schools, our
children remain in their home communities, human resources
continue to increase and local economies are strengthened.
As
educators, we understand that to effect change, we must shape
the future as opposed to just letting it happen. We desire
to exercise our rights in determining that future.
OMUSHKEGO
EDUCATION LOGO
“Working together in Education”
The geographical area, tidal waters and tributaries, moose,
geese and moon are all symbolic representations of believing
in, supporting, and promoting Life Long Learning opportunities.
With seasonal lifestyles dependent upon the land, water, animals,
birds, fish and the moons, the end result was a vibrant language,
culture, traditions, practices, beliefs and values that identified
us as Mushkegowuk.
The
Mushkegowuk led a nomadic lifestyle, travelling as far inland
to Missanabie and Sault Ste Marie to trade goods, into the
north western part of James Bay to Peawanuck and beyond. To
the west, Constance Lake and Lake Nipigon. To the east, Matheson
and across the present day Quebec border.
While
inland they hunted animals such as the Moose which is the
largest of the deer family, on the coast they harvested migrating
birds in Spring and Fall such as the Geese. Other species
of animals, birds and fish became the mainstay of their daily
and seasonal subsistence such as beaver, rabbit, sturgeon,
deer, caribou, ducks, pickerel, partridge, muskrat, and white
fish to name a few. The seasonal impacts upon the land, migration
of the animals, birds and fish helped to shape and influenced
lifestyles, creating a culture steeped in traditions, stories,
songs, practices, beliefs and values.
As
with all Aboriginal Peoples, the Mushkegowuk developed their
own governance and education systems to ensure survival and
resource management. These systems prepared the learner to
become an active, responsible contributing member of the family
unit, respectful of the environment and animals, birds and
fish with which he shared a nomadic lifestyle. In essence,
life long learning.
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Mushkegowuk
Council
P.O. Box 370, 12 Centre Road, Moose Factory, ON, P0L 1W0
Phone: 705-658-4222 • Fax: 705-658-4250 |
