09-31 Improve education opportunities and results for Native students

Published on November 10th, 2009

By ALEX DEMARBAN

Summary

AFN delegates will, as parents, teachers, relatives, community mentors be devoted to raising a new generation of Natives who are strong, know who they are, where they come from, and where they are going, equipped with the education and skills needed for successful and productive lives. Each of us pledges to hold ourselves, our schools and our elected officials highly accountable for ensuring the academic and personal success of all Alaska Native children, knowing that upon their success rests the future of all Alaska Native people and the welfare of all residents of the state.

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Full Text

RESOLUTION 09-31

A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTCOMES FOR ALASKA NATIVE STUDENTS

WHEREAS: Successful youth education, through the intergenerational sharing of knowledge and life skills, has always been one of the central values of Alaska Native people; and

WHEREAS: The history of Alaska schools has been fraught with inequity and assimilative policies that have denied our youth of their right to a quality, culturally appropriate education; and

WHEREAS: Despite changes in policy, the academic achievement of Alaska Native students continues to lag significantly behind the general population, as measured by test scores, graduation and dropout rates; and

WHEREAS: Poor academic achievement and lack of familial support have been proven to lead to higher rates of unemployment, poverty, substance abuse, and incarceration; and

WHEREAS: The self-detennined future of Alaska Native people depends on the educational success of our youth; and

WHEREAS: Positive parental and family involvement in a child's education increases their likelihood of academic achievement, self-confidence, and successful, healthy lives; and

WHEREAS: It is the duty and responsibility of the public schools in Alaska to work in partnership with families and communities to foster the educational achievement and success of our youth; and

WHEREAS: Schools such as Mt. Edgecumbe and others clearly demonstrate that Alaska Native students will excel when provided with a supportive and culturally appropriate learning environment.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the delegates to the 2009 Annual Convention of the Alaska Federation of Natives, Inc., we will devote ourselves as parents, relatives, teachers, and community members, to the urgent necessity of raising a new generation of Alaska Native people who are strong, know who they are, where they come from, and where they are going, equipped with the education and skills needed for successful and productive lives; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each of us pledges to hold ourselves, our schools, and our elected officials highly accountable for ensuring the academic and personal success of all Alaska Native children, knowing that upon their success rests the future of all Alaska Native people, and the welfare of all residents of the State of Alaska.

SUBMITTED BY: COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL

COMMITTEE ACTION: DO PASS

CONVENTION ACTION: PASSED