Indian Control of Indian Education: The Path of the Upper Nicola Band

Abstract

This article examines how one band, the Upper Nicola Band, came to terms with Indian Control of Indian Education. An overview of the history of the education of these people and the Indian Control of Indian Education Policy provide some background as to why it is important for the Band to strive for local control of its education. The writer of this paper, who was to become the principal of the new band school, led a structured experiences workshop on May 15,16, and 17,1990 in which band members were encouraged to participate in thinking about where they had been, where they are now, and where they wanted to be. Through struc­tured activities, band members developed their own educational philosophy, goals, and action plans. The workshop is described in detail in this article. Where appropriate, the data provided by the participants are analyzed in light of the In­dian Control of Indian Education Policy. The outcomes of the workshop on educa­tion at the band school during the subsequent year are highlighted.