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Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
‘I learned my language to be a teacher'
Capilano University (CapU) is set to honour Lil'wat Elder Saw̓t Martina Pierre with an honorary doctorate in recognition of her contributions to reconciliation, empowerment and cultural preservation. Pierre is a residential school survivor and lifelong educator whose work revolves around revitalizing the Nation's traditional language—for others as much as herself. 'I had always wanted to be a teacher, and I had always wanted to revive my culture and language and my spirituality, [my] rights as a legal person,' she told Pique. 'After I had my family, I learned my language to be a teacher.' Pierre was instrumental in starting up Lil'wat's first-ever community school in the 1970s. The Nation had a day school run by nuns as far back as the 1930s, with classes available to members of the Nation from kindergarten up to Grade 7. But after the publication of the 1969 White Paper , parents in the Nation demanded a change. The White Paper, formally known as the Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian Policy, was a policy proposal that aimed to eliminate Indian status, abolish the Indian Act and transfer responsibility for Indigenous affairs to the provinces. On the education front, the policy would have integrated First Nations children into mainstream education systems—potentially at the loss of culturally relevant programs and resources—and risked putting education policy in the hands of a provincial government removed from the specific needs of communities. While the policies contained therein never became law, they sparked widespread opposition among Indigenous communities in Canada. '[The children] didn't want to go back to public school, so the parents got concerned about the continuation of their children with their education,' said Pierre. 'They got together and said, 'Well, let's take them out of the public school and start our own.'' The Nation formed a board to negotiate for limited funding and resources from the government, including teacher training. Pierre was part of the first cohort of Lil'wat instructors to go through SFU's teaching program. 'We had to create our own curriculum, too, because it wasn't coming from the B.C. Education Department,' she recalled. 'We had to create our own curriculum to teach our language and culture.' She noted there weren't a lot of models to look to around B.C.; Lil'wat was one of the first Nations in the province to create a community school with traditional and cultural coursework from scratch. As Pierre and her team worked to craft a curriculum for the incoming classes, she was also reconnecting with the language herself. She'd been forced to unlearn Ucwalmícwts, the Nation's traditional language, when she attended a residential school. She credits her husband of 64 years, Paul Pierre, senior, with her own re-learning of the language. His mother used the traditional language all her life, and he grew up with parents who didn't speak English very often. But because he only attended residential school for one year, he's fluent in Ucwalmícwts. 'He just spoke the language and that helped me,' said Pierre. 'He was my mentor in the language program—not really for developing the curriculum, but for me to undo and heal from what I learned in colonized education.' Pierre and her cohort opened Ts̓zil Community School in the 1970s. Shortly after the school launched, Pierre obtained a master's degree from UBC and became a program coordinator for the school. Ts̓zil Community School later became Xet̓ólacw Community School. It currently serves about 240 students, emphasizing the integration of Lil'wat language and culture into the curriculum . Pierre's contributions to Lil'wat education don't stop at K-12. She's also been instrumental in developing and teaching post-secondary language and culture courses. In 1998, the Ts̓zil Learning Centre launched as a hub for adult learning and vocational training in Mount Currie. CapU faculty started to teach at the school in 1999. In 2002, Pierre was offered the position of dean at the Learning Centre. She worked with CapU to develop and lead the Lil'wat Languages program, teaching Ucwalmícwts to her students. Capilano describes her courses as 'a model for Indigenous language preservation within post-secondary education.' She's found, time and time again, that the act of teaching is a healing one; it allows her to practice and celebrate her history, and surrounds her with young people whose emphasis is on learning rather than mourning. 'My students in the university courses did not want to hear the grievances of our people in relation to the loss of our language,' she said. 'They wanted to explore their history. They wanted to learn the language and the culture.' As interest spiked in her courses (even once cresting 60 applicants in a single semester), Pierre decided to start mentoring students who could teach in her stead. She retired about four years back once those student leaders were ready; they've since gone on to become educators elsewhere throughout the province. Pierre initially hesitated to accept her honorary degree. And she's still grappling with its implications. 'I never really wear my credentials anywhere as a native person,' she said. 'You want to be level with the people. I love all my students. I'm just a facilitator for their learning.' She also noted she once wanted to go back to school to earn her PhD, before life got in the way. Still, she notes, she doesn't need a PhD to explore the questions that matter to her. 'I've always wanted to explore the transitioning that we need to do as Indigenous people to be not under the Indian Act,' she said. 'That's the big move. We're wards of the federal government under the Indian Act, and we need to find out what we want in life and how to make changes for community, for our Nation and for the care of our land—our traditional territory.' Alongside her work in education, Pierre is also the carrier of the Women's Warrior Song, which she received from a woman warrior while praying during a sacred sweat lodge ceremony. The song has become a central feature of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2+) movement across the country. She is also the Language and Culture Advisor for Skel7aqsten Skel7antsut, an inherent rights organization in Lil'wat. Pierre will be honoured alongside four other honorary degree recipients at Capilano University during its spring convocation ceremonies from June 10 through 12. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. 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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
NIA takes over probe into explosives loot by ‘Maoists' in Odisha
The National Investigation Agency has taken over the investigation into the loot of a large cache of explosives by 'suspected Maoists' earlier this week. This comes as police and security agencies continue to look for the explosives, looted from a stone quarry in the state's Sundargarh district earlier this week. According to the police, an armed group of 25-30 'Maoists' looted four tonnes of explosive gelatin sticks from a stone quarry under K Balanga police limits in Rourkela police district Tuesday while an explosive-laden truck was on its way to the stone quarry at Banko. The quarry is inside the Saranda forests — an area bordering Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district. The group allegedly forced the driver to operate the vehicle but eventually released him. Odisha has witnessed significant fall in Maoist-related activities over the years with the presence of left-wing extremists limited to a few pockets only. Police sources said there was no Maoist-related activities in Sundargarh districts in the past 10 years. The Odisha Police, in coordination with the Jharkhand police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, have launched search operations. The truck has been found but explosives are yet to be traced, police said. 'According to the first information received from the driver, those who looted the explosives were Maoists. Based on the information received from the driver, we have lodged an FIR. The investigation is continuing and operational procedures are being followed in the area,' said Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range) Brijesh Rai. Odisha Director General of Police YB Khurania visited the site and held meetings with senior police officers to monitor the operations. The DGP also directed police to step up security measures in vulnerable areas. Police sources said a NIA team also reached Rourkela Thursday and launched a probe into the matter. The NIA team is expected to visit the site of the loot, and is likely to question the driver of the vehicle. The border area with Jharkhand has been sealed by the security agencies. Police sources said instruction has also been issued to the local police to probe the licence details and other information related to the stone quarry. According to the White Paper published by the state's home department, only four Maoist-related incidents were reported in 2024 compared to nine such incidents in 2023. As part of the anti-Maoist operations, as many as six extremists were killed by security personnel and eight others were arrested in 2024. Meanwhile, 24 ultras surrendered.
Epoch Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Epoch Times
Phillipson Promises to ‘Back the Next Generation' With Training Opportunities
Tens of thousands of apprenticeships and training opportunities have been promised as part of the government's effort to increase workers' skills and cut net migration. Ministers have promised a total of 120,000 new training opportunities for construction workers, engineers, health care staff, and other trades in England before the next general election. Up to 45,000 training places will be funded by hiking the charge paid by employers for bringing in foreign workers by a third. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we're backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive. 'When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our plan for change. 'But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we're taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it's now the responsibility of young people to take them.' Related Stories 5/22/2025 5/8/2025 The plans for 120,000 training places include an extra 30,000 apprenticeship starts across the current Parliament. The apprenticeship budget for 2025–26 is more than £3 billion. From January 2026, funding will be shifted away from masters-level apprenticeships to focus on training at lower levels, although support will be maintained for those aged 16–21 and existing apprentices. The immigration White Paper published earlier this month set out plans to hike the immigration skills charge by 32 percent to 'upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration.' As many as one in eight 16- to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment, or training. Sarah Yong, director of policy and public affairs at the Youth Futures Foundation said: 'International evidence shows apprenticeships are a highly impactful way to support young people to prepare for and access jobs, yet participation among under-25s, especially the most marginalised, has declined in recent years. 'With stubbornly high youth unemployment and inactivity, rebalancing the apprenticeship system can encourage investment in youth apprenticeships and is a first step in enabling more young people to access good work.' The Law Society urged the government to continue to fund masters-level apprenticeships for those aged over 21. The society's President Richard Atkinson said: 'Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships continue to be the only route outside of university to qualify as a solicitor due to specific qualifications set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 'Apprenticeships play a vital role in promoting social mobility.' Shadow education minister Neil O'Brien warned: 'The decision to scrap higher apprenticeships will do damage to the public services, particularly the NHS. 'It will make it impossible for many young people who don't go university to enter the professions. 'Numerous employers and professional bodies have warned about the damage scrapping higher apprenticeships will do, which is why this is being snuck out during recess.'
Leader Live
27-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Phillipson promises to ‘back the next generation' with training opportunities
Ministers have promised a total of 120,000 new training opportunities for construction workers, engineers, healthcare staff and other trades in England before the next general election. Up to 45,000 training places will be funded by hiking the charge paid by employers for bringing in foreign workers by a third. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we're backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive. 'When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our plan for change. 'But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we're taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it's now the responsibility of young people to take them.' The plans for 120,000 training places include an extra 30,000 apprenticeship starts across the current Parliament. The apprenticeship budget for 2025-26 is more than £3 billion. From January 2026, funding will be shifted away from masters-level apprenticeships to focus on training at lower levels, although support will be maintained for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. The immigration White Paper published earlier this month set out plans to hike the immigration skills charge by 32% to 'upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration'. As many as one-in-eight 16-24 year-olds are not in education, employment or training. Sarah Yong, director of policy and public affairs at the Youth Futures Foundation said: 'International evidence shows apprenticeships are a highly impactful way to support young people to prepare for and access jobs, yet participation among under-25s, especially the most marginalised, has declined in recent years. 'With stubbornly high youth unemployment and inactivity, rebalancing the apprenticeship system can encourage investment in youth apprenticeships and is a first step in enabling more young people to access good work.' The Law Society urged the Government to continue to fund masters-level apprenticeships for those aged over 21. The society's president Richard Atkinson said: 'Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships continue to be the only route outside of university to qualify as a solicitor due to specific qualifications set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 'Apprenticeships play a vital role in promoting social mobility.' Shadow education minister Neil O'Brien warned: 'The decision to scrap higher apprenticeships will do damage to the public services, particularly the NHS. 'It will make it impossible for many young people who don't go university to enter the professions. 'Numerous employers and professional bodies have warned about the damage scrapping higher apprenticeships will do, which is why this is being snuck out during recess.'
Glasgow Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Phillipson promises to ‘back the next generation' with training opportunities
Ministers have promised a total of 120,000 new training opportunities for construction workers, engineers, healthcare staff and other trades in England before the next general election. Up to 45,000 training places will be funded by hiking the charge paid by employers for bringing in foreign workers by a third. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we're backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive. 'When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our plan for change. 'But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we're taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it's now the responsibility of young people to take them.' The plans for 120,000 training places include an extra 30,000 apprenticeship starts across the current Parliament. The apprenticeship budget for 2025-26 is more than £3 billion. From January 2026, funding will be shifted away from masters-level apprenticeships to focus on training at lower levels, although support will be maintained for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. The immigration White Paper published earlier this month set out plans to hike the immigration skills charge by 32% to 'upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration'. As many as one-in-eight 16-24 year-olds are not in education, employment or training. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson having a go at bricklaying (Gareth Fuller/PA) Sarah Yong, director of policy and public affairs at the Youth Futures Foundation said: 'International evidence shows apprenticeships are a highly impactful way to support young people to prepare for and access jobs, yet participation among under-25s, especially the most marginalised, has declined in recent years. 'With stubbornly high youth unemployment and inactivity, rebalancing the apprenticeship system can encourage investment in youth apprenticeships and is a first step in enabling more young people to access good work.' The Law Society urged the Government to continue to fund masters-level apprenticeships for those aged over 21. The society's president Richard Atkinson said: 'Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships continue to be the only route outside of university to qualify as a solicitor due to specific qualifications set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 'Apprenticeships play a vital role in promoting social mobility.' Shadow education minister Neil O'Brien warned: 'The decision to scrap higher apprenticeships will do damage to the public services, particularly the NHS. 'It will make it impossible for many young people who don't go university to enter the professions. 'Numerous employers and professional bodies have warned about the damage scrapping higher apprenticeships will do, which is why this is being snuck out during recess.'
