A DESCRIPTION OF A SUCCESSFUL INDIGENOUS ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL: PERSPECTIVES OF TEACHERS, STAFF, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS

Abstract

Education is often referred to as a key to success – a means of empowerment that is essential for economic, social, and political success. Hence, Aboriginal education is critical to Aboriginal Peoples’ efforts to control their lives and their communities. Current literature shows that in Canada, not all Aboriginal youth have access to high school programs within their local communities, and there is a gap between educational attainment levels of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Education attainment levels affect workforce participation, and in order to reduce poverty, it is necessary for more Aboriginal workers to join the workforce. In order for this to happen, the number of Aboriginal learners completing high school must increase. Online learning provides increased opportunities for Aboriginal learners to access quality high school education while remaining in their communities and reconnecting with their languages and cultures. This case describes a successful online Aboriginal high school based on the perceptions of teachers, staff, students, and parents.