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

Abstract

This paper 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 appropri­ ate, 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.