We need to be more diligent and critical of the way we implement policy and actualize curriculum intentions. Along with the commitment to improve the educational experiences of Aboriginal students comes the commitment to evaluate continuously our initiatives in terms of their quality, legitimacy, and authenticity. By authentic we mean genuine rather than constructed from false or stereotypical notions. The concept of equity pervades our recommendations. This principle applies not only to students, but to Aboriginal teachers, parents, and representatives in decision making.
Equity implies collaboration, communication, and involvement.
Social justice cannot be achieved without adherence to the principle of equity and the commitment to providing diverse and balanced programs. In developing our recommendations we identified four areas of importance. These four areas reflect our current focus on change at the school level. In order for learning to take place, students must feel that the school reflects their cultural community. We know from experience and research that many Aboriginal students in the province do not find schools to be culturally affirming places.