ple began to believe that, indeed, they were stupid. This attitude, which developed simply because the natives were not wise to the white ways', has caused a host of social problems which the educational system, and society, must face today. Native Underachievement 5"We have seen some of our youth commit suicide, we have seen the gradual increase in our youth taking drugs and alcohol and also child abuse, sexual harassment...We need to prevent all of these" (Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1993). The solution presented by natives is a self sufficient educational system. "We want our children to understand and appreciate their heritage. We, as parents and role models in our communities, convey the pride of our nation" (Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, 1993). Breaking the cycle of native under achievement, instilled by the forefathers of Canada, is an essential step in furthering the education of the native population in Canada.Statistics have proven just how poorly the majority of native students in Canada are doing. In 1930, only one third of all native students progressed beyond the sixth grade. Statistics from the Ministry of Education in Canada [1990] state that seventy two percent of all registered natives in Canada have not obtained a high school diploma. It is clearly seen that natives have not progressed significantly since the days of the early residential schools.In order to counteract the growing trend toward illiteracy, the aboriginal people of Canada have taken the initiative to begin to form their own schooling system. Organizers of these new systems believe firmly that schooling by natives for natives, is better able to suit their needs. One example clearly illustrates the effectiveness of such a system. Aboriginal control of school in Quebec has been accompanied by sharp increases in school participation and declines in the drop out rate. Among Inuit in northern Quebec, for example, school parti...
