Underrepresented Indigenous People in the Education System: Statistics

A report by the Winnipeg Local Executive Circle (WIEC) shows underrepresentation of Indigenous people in the general education system, which officials say could take up to 25 years to address if recommendations for action are not followed.

WIEC Education Committee Chair Heather McCormick said the third annual State of Education Equity Report revealed some disturbing statistics, including that only eight of Winnipeg's 54 school trustees are Indigenous.

“The first time he started two out of 54, but three years later he only had eight. It really shows that there is still a lack of Indigenous representation at the level where decisions and policies are implemented,” explained McCormick.

“We've encouraged our partners and our stakeholders to really look at the calls to action of what we're asking them to do, or to talk to us about why it can't be done.”

The report also shows Winnipeg schools are short of 900 Indigenous teachers, up 200 from last year, and the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg's faculties of education graduated an average of 35 Indigenous people. Bachelor of Education graduates every year for the past two decades, and to help address some of these issues, WIEC has issued a total of six calls to action, including the need to form a group of urban local school trustees.

“Having a group of local trustees come together to share these stories, successes and challenges is a really great opportunity and it gives us an idea of ​​what's going on in the city, what's working well in some school districts and what's still problematic. it's a great way to provide space,” McCormick said.

Part of the call to action is for faculties of education, school divisions and all levels of government to work in partnership with Indigenous organizations to increase the number of Indigenous people interested in teaching positions by creating a Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Education. program.

“Indigenous people have historically not had a lot of success or experience in schools, so people are hesitant to go to some of these institutions, so I think community-based education gives people another avenue,” McCormick explained.

While McCormick has seen positive changes over these 3 years, all 6 calls to action need to be implemented to properly address these issues.