Opinion Qualified Indian teachers was point intended for story Editor: This is in regards to the article that appeared in The Review, Oct. 17, (New program for native students.) The information regarding the statement: “one teacher is spe- cially trained for the job” was not _ clear and the article did not include all of the programs that are presently being offered. I would like to clarify some very important items. The Saanich Indian School Board operates an Adult Centre and an elementary school: LAU,WELNEW Tribal School with an enrollment of 200 students from Nursery/Kindergarten to Grade 8. The Saanich Indian School Board in conjunction with Camo- sun College is currently operating the Saanich Adult Education Centre which is located on the Saanich Indian School Board’s premises on the Tsartlip Reserve. Presently, the following 3 pro- grams are in operation: Basic Academic Job Develop- ment program: This program has 16 seats and is six months in duration. It has an intake twice a year and includes the following components: literacy,; life skills; work skills, and two work experi- ence placements. This three-year program is pres- ently being reviewed for funding for the second year. The second and third year of the program, is based on the success of the previ- ous year. Presently, the second group of students are completing their six-month program. Upon approval of funding for the second year, the third group will com- mence on Nov. 26, 1990. Adult Upgrading Program: This 10-month program has 20 stu- dents: 10 men and 10 women. This program has a continuous intake in that seats will be filled on an on-going basis. Students enter at a Grade 7 level and upon successful completion of the program, they receive a Grade 10 in Math, Eng- lish and Science. Native Indian Teacher Assistant program: This 10 month program has 22 students (18 women and 4 men) from throughout the Prov- ince of British Columbia as well as from Ontario. The program is designed to train First Nation men and women to be effective. Native Indian Teacher Assistant Hey, Kids! Make Some Money! Deliver the paper & earn while youlearn: Signuptobeanews carrier. I's fim and! rewarding and teaches you important les: sons about the business” world. Give'us acall.~ We need carrier, representalives an = “ several neighbor- F. hoods: Move the news & make mS money = Fa) // : 2) i ts Rah Th Review 656-1151 TheReview Wednesday, November 14,1990 — A20 program: Students receive the lat- est skills, methods and technology in elementary education, which will enable them to take an active Tole in the classrooms. Within the program, students apply their understanding in two Practicum in any of the elementary schools within the area. In January 1991, the following two programs will be offered: The SENCOTEN Immersion and Instructor Training Program is developed to teach 12 Saanich men and women the SENCOTEN (Saanich tongue) language as well as how to teach it. Presently, we have three on staff at the LAU,WELNEW Tribal School who speak the language and can teach it. We require more SEN- COTEN fluent speakers to become teachers. This is where there is a shortage of specialized teachers. This program will consist of SENCOTEN Immersion classes in the mornings and the afternoons will include English upgrading, Introduction to Child Psychology and Anthropology, specific skill development in teaching and a Practicum. The program is 10 months in duration and will commence in January 1991 and run to the end of December 1991. The students will be off during the months of July and August. Students return in September 1991 to complete the last semester of their program. Continuing Care Assistant Pro- gram: This 16-week program is designed for native learners who wish to enter the continuing care field. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in Home Support agencies or in personal, intermedi- ate or extended care facilities. The last three paragraphs of the article are very misleading and require some clarification. The Adult Care Centre has a lack of resources and support ser- vices for the adults. However, we are presently implementing a library in the centre. The centre already has a half-time counsel- ling, an eight-terminal IBM com- puter lab and some audio visual equipment. Presently, I am the only quali- fied native Indian Teacher at Camosun College. As you can see, there is a definite need for more qualified teachers to not only work in the elementary school system but in the college and university Self-Marketing Seminars. MERIDIAN Roe ee CODEPENDENCY ¢ CHILDHOOD ABUSE ¢ LOSS ¢ SHYNESS WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Or wish you were? Do you stop yourself from being all you are and can be? If your self-image has been hurt by painful childhoodllife experiences, or simply needs a "boost", Maureen McDowell, M.S.W., a Counsellor at MERIDIAN HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTRE, can help. For over 8 years, Maureen has used VIDEO feedback in her counselling sessions and ¢ See yourself on Video e Heal past traumatic experiences ¢ Overcome self-sabotage e Value yourself & abilities e Feel confident in business, Call MERIDIAN today for your appointment with Maureen McDowell } "LIFE GOALS © BODY IMAGE © CREATIVITY © SELF-ESTEEM. levels as well. I am employed 50 per cent by Camosun College as Instructor and Program Head of the Native Indian Teacher Assist- ant program and I am employed 50 per cent by the Saanich Indian School Board as Acting Chairman. I said that most Band Operated Schools in British Columbia and the rest of Canada lack an ade- quate number of qualified Indian teachers. However, they do employ qualified non-Indian teachers. We sincerely hope that some of the students who enroll in the Native Indian Teachers Assistant program will carry on in the education system and obtain their Teacher Education Degree. All of the teachers who are employed in the LAU; WELNEW Tribal School have a Teacher’s Certificate and teaching experience in either Band Operated Schools, Federal Schools or provincial schools. We recognize the need for First Nation people to receive a higher education and specialized training to successfully compete in the workplace. Hence, we in no way permit unqualified teachers to teach our children or adults as we believe in quality education for First Nation people. Edith Baker A/Chairman Saanich Indian School Board FOR ALDERMAN NORTH SAANICH ELECT BILL TURNER A Sincere Candidate social life 727-3431 5575 West Saanich Rd., Victoria, B.C. V8X 4M6 ; (ONES, NE. ted) [X | FOR MAYOR CENTRAL SAANICH Phone 652-5792 Le Dr. Peter Culligan DMD - is pleased to announce the opening of his Dental Practice in the Landmark Building, Mezzanine Floor Suite 214-2506 Beacon Ave. Sidney B.C. V8L 1Y2 Phone: 656-0711 | _Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 - 5:00pm_| STIHL - NUMBER ONE WORLDWIDE LAYAWAY NOW FOR CHRISTMAS | 009 GAS & GO KIT Retail Value w/purchase of chainsaw The Stihl! 009 is a small chain saw that’s big enough On power and performance to take care of all your firewood needs. And since it’s a Stihl, you know it will be around for a long time to come. EVERYTHING YOU HEAR ABOUT THEM IS TRUE. ALF BECKER & SON LTD. 750 ENTERPRISE CRESCENT, VICTORIA, B.C. 479-2115 (Off Glanford) 384-6414 | a Es need “Luxury living in a natural setting” a unique blend of 75 adult orientated carriage homes nestled throughout 75 acres of manicured and prestine parkland. : OPEN DAILY 10-5. 1255 Wain Road, Sidney 655-3111 Over 75” 3 Sold 4 Choice Locations Now Selling - in our &