Adults and children with the Pacheedaht First Nation who have difficulty learning to read using traditional methods can turn to Frontier College’s Community Literacy Catalyst, a literacy project tailored for Indigenous learners.
Frontier College is a national non-profit literacy organization that has been working to improve literacy for 123 years. A member of the Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy, the organization works with volunteers and local partners to enhance literacy skills of readers of all ages.
The group says it has been working with Indigenous learners in Canada for almost 50 years.
“From coast to coast to coast, we have been meeting the learners where they are at to tear down the barriers to learning,” said Richard Harvey, regional director for Frontier College. “It is a meeting of two worlds. We use the know-how of the community and combine it with our experience to deliver a one-on-one opportunity for learning.”
The Community Literacy Catalyst started as a program offered at summer camps, but was so successful that it is now delivered year-round.
Since 2016, it’s been available to children, youth, adults, and elders in the Pacheedaht First Nation community and surrounding areas.
The organization sometimes fills in gaps in the education system.
In Port Renfrew, children can attend school locally only for grades 1 to 5. After that, they face a two-hour commute to attend elementary, middle and high school in Sooke. Given that barrier, the community sees a significant attrition in attendance after Grade 3.
A volunteer with Frontier College has stepped in to work with children and youth through at-home visits. Some children either do not have teacher aid in class or struggle with the formal educational school system. Once or more per week, the volunteer will make home visits to each learner on reserve, sometimes working on class assignments or homework together.
“It’s the community taking control of their own education,” said Harvey.
Youth are the most at risk of dropping out of the school system due to lack of motivation. The organization focuses not just on homework but ensuring that a love of learning is maintained during this critical age.
Adult and senior members of the Pacheedaht Nation can join book clubs or a reading circle on reserve to read Indigenous authors or literature connected to their community’s history.
Elders are encouraged to share their knowledge of local language with the younger generations. The volunteer often incorporates elders’ teachings into literacy activities with children.
“The Community Literacy Catalyst program is one of the longest-running programs in Frontier College,” said Harvey. “It has become part of the fabric of the community.”
parrais@timescolonist.com
