TEACHERS’ AND PRINCIPALS’ PERCEPTIONS OF CITIZENSHIP DEVELOPMENT OF ABORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE PROVINCE OF MANITOBA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the congruence between Aboriginal student citizenship development and the prescribed outcomes of citizenship development in secondary schools in Manitoba. The perceptions of 106 high school teachers and principals in the province of Manitoba were acquired through survey distribution and interviews. This study found that Aboriginal students from Manitoba high schools frequently behave in a manner that is congruent with the values of citizenship development. Participants in this study described a need for the development of curricula that is congruent with traditional Aboriginal ways of learning, the provision of opportunities for practical experiences in the area of citizenship development, and increased research into schools on First Nations communities in the area of citizenship development. Such developments may facilitate citizenship development for Aboriginal students through the provision of education that is sensitive to Aboriginal perspectives and circumstances.