9. Why Developed / Problems / Issues Targeted

 What are the main aims or objectives of the initiative? Is it designed to address any particular problems or issues? If so, please specify what these are.

This project is addressing the significant numbers of Aboriginal youth who leave high school before graduating and the limited number who go on to PSE. It is felt that provided a curriculum that’s better adapted and the full attention of a competent teacher familiar with the situation that Aboriginal students are facing can have a positive impact.

10. Key Features / Content

  • Innovative
  • Effective
  • Promising
 Please describe the main features of the program, focusing in particular on those aspects that are particularly innovative, effective or promising.

The program model was developed through a twostage consultation and validation process at all six rural, northern and First Nations sites in Manitoba. Based on the outcome of the recruitment process, the project implementation began in the autumn of 2006.

The program focuses on building strengths and identifying talents of Aboriginal youth. The program aims to build leaders, talk about healthy choices and build self confidence.

MEW is an elective course and can be delivered as 3 full credit or 6 half credit courses in grades 10, 11 and 12. The program offers tutoring, works with elders and role models, has internships, connects with local business and provides resources about post-secondary education.

There are 4 major components of the curriculum:

  1. 1.Academic/Career
  2. 2. Individual
  3. 3. Cultural
  4. 4. Community.

The grade 10 course focuses on: myself and my family. In grade 11 students explore: my community and my province. Then, in grade 12 students look at my country and my world. The themes move from the familiar to the unfamiliar and are based on the medicine wheel concept. The program Guiding Circles of the Aboriginal Human Resource Council is one of the resources for this program. In each course spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects are explored.
11. Funding Mechanisms Please describe the type of funding mechanism used for this initiative (e.g. provider’s own budget, service contract, grant, co-funding etc.) Manitoba Provincial Government funds the three provincial schools; Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation funds three First Nations schools.