Mission Statement
The mission statement of the Aboriginal Circle of Educators is as follows:
"The Aboriginal Circle of Educators exists to empower educators through holistic approaches and professional development and advocacy to advance indigenous knowledge for the success of future generations."
The Aboriginal Circle of Educators is committed to providing opportunities which promote, strengthen, and enhance Aboriginal education for children and adults.
The Aboriginal Circle of Educators is guided by the following beliefs:
The Aboriginal Circle of Educators has many goals and objectives including the following:
Originally known as the Aboriginal Teachers Circle, the Aboriginal Circle of Educators was established in 1987 as a grassroots, non-profit organization. It was founded for the purpose of providing a support and networking place for its members and has gradually taken a greater role in addressing the issues and challenges that face Aboriginal teachers and students.
Through ongoing discussions it became evident that additional actions were needed to address the concerns that both Aboriginal educators and Aboriginal students face within the public and federally funded schools.
Over time, A.C.E. has continued to adapt its actions to create meaningful opportunities for support and networking among its membership while working to advance and further develop Aboriginal education initiatives. A focus for these efforts is to advance the integration of Aboriginal education into all aspects of the education system in Manitoba.
A.C.E. has developed and persevered on the volunteerism of its membership. The collective membership of A.C.E. has worked diligently to promote and support Aboriginal education in various capacities. Since 1991, A.C.E. has sponsored numerous, well attended and highly praised workshops and conferences and in 2006 established its first annual Aboriginal Education Awards banquet which celebrates the work of educators and our allies. The success of these events is directed toward the realities that exist, and the creation of understandings that will ultimately benefit all learners. It is the membership that develops these initiatives and offers their services on a volunteer basis, sharing the skills, resources and experience that they have developed, and the lessons that they have learned.
"The Aboriginal Circle of Educators exists to empower educators through holistic approaches and professional development and advocacy to advance indigenous knowledge for the success of future generations."
The Aboriginal Circle of Educators is committed to providing opportunities which promote, strengthen, and enhance Aboriginal education for children and adults.
The Aboriginal Circle of Educators is guided by the following beliefs:
- Aboriginal children are a gift from Creator to be nurtured and cherished as they become well rounded members of society. Aboriginal children thrive in a learning environment that addresses their traditions, culture, interests, needs, and diversity.
- Reciprocal learning flourishes when educators develop relationships that demonstrate respect for and understanding of Aboriginal peoples.
- The inclusion of traditional teachings, worldviews, and oral traditions within educational practice strengthens learning and understanding of Aboriginal culture, language and tradition.
- Learning is enhanced in an educational system that promotes, validates, and utilizes what Aboriginal educators bring to the education system.
- Aboriginal people have a right and a responsibility to address the issues, challenges, and interests of Aboriginal students and educators.
- Holistic and interconnected learning is supported through communication and collaboration within and between the Aboriginal and Education communities.
- Aboriginal education is for all people, not just for Aboriginal students and educators. Education and curricula are tools that facilitate understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of the past, present, and future contributions of Aboriginal peoples.
The Aboriginal Circle of Educators has many goals and objectives including the following:
- To address the professional and holistic needs of our members.
- To foster the development of culturally appropriate curricula and learning environments.
- To advocate for the total integration of Aboriginal education in all areas of curricula.
- To provide networking opportunities for all educators to develop leadership capacity in Aboriginal education.
- To further encourage, support, and create opportunities for Aboriginal educators to develop capacity and leadership skills.
- To celebrate and honour the achievements made in Aboriginal education.
- To build partnerships and collaborative efforts between A.C.E. and all stakeholders.
- To promote an understanding and willingness to collaboratively address issues and challenges faced by Aboriginal peoples.
- To maintain authority and self-determination.
- To assist in the promotion and retention of Aboriginal languages, cultures, and traditions in Manitoba.
- To validate our rightful place within society as the First Peoples and educators of Turtle Island.
Originally known as the Aboriginal Teachers Circle, the Aboriginal Circle of Educators was established in 1987 as a grassroots, non-profit organization. It was founded for the purpose of providing a support and networking place for its members and has gradually taken a greater role in addressing the issues and challenges that face Aboriginal teachers and students.
Through ongoing discussions it became evident that additional actions were needed to address the concerns that both Aboriginal educators and Aboriginal students face within the public and federally funded schools.
Over time, A.C.E. has continued to adapt its actions to create meaningful opportunities for support and networking among its membership while working to advance and further develop Aboriginal education initiatives. A focus for these efforts is to advance the integration of Aboriginal education into all aspects of the education system in Manitoba.
A.C.E. has developed and persevered on the volunteerism of its membership. The collective membership of A.C.E. has worked diligently to promote and support Aboriginal education in various capacities. Since 1991, A.C.E. has sponsored numerous, well attended and highly praised workshops and conferences and in 2006 established its first annual Aboriginal Education Awards banquet which celebrates the work of educators and our allies. The success of these events is directed toward the realities that exist, and the creation of understandings that will ultimately benefit all learners. It is the membership that develops these initiatives and offers their services on a volunteer basis, sharing the skills, resources and experience that they have developed, and the lessons that they have learned.
