Craig blog 1

The first chapter in the textbook discussed the term "sociology of education", and went into the Attawapiskat First Nation story. This story describes a northern community who have been neglected by the government on many occasions, having to live and deal with their own problems. This seems like a common story that I hear about northern reserves and communities. Although I don't have answers to fix these problems, I do see there are problems that need to be taken care of, but that also go deeper than a quick fix. The textbook talked about First Nations people always being compared to white people, "an informal baseline to which they are always being compared." (pg 8) This stigma has been at the root of the problems between First Nations and government for years. Although I would add that in my grade 2 classroom, this stigma isn't present. We have 3 First Nations children and the whole class treats each individual equal and respectfully. The rest of the chapter discussed the mistreatment of First Nations people throughout the years up until today. Another issue in the chapter is about First Nations people not being able to have a mortgage. This is a federal government issue unless the individual has all the funds at hand. (pg 9) These are heavy issues that need attention and need to be dealt with in a fair way by the government. The Attawapiskat School Campaign leader had a good quote in saying "It's hard to feel pride when our classrooms are cold, when mice run over our lunches..." (pg 11). I can totally understand how hard that must be to keep up morale in a situation like this. This chapter discussed these and other issues coming up in the next few chapters of the textbook.
Discussion question: Even though motion 571 was passed, how long if ever will it take for equality to be achieved between First Nations and other citizens?