"Sharing knowledge to improve policy and practice"

The Aboriginal Education Research Network (AERN), building on the past success of the Saskatchewan Education Research Network, was a voluntary forum for education stakeholders and academic institutions in Saskatchewan to share investigative priorities, clarify educational issues, and collaborate in selected research projects. Its goal was to foster a collaborative research culture in Saskatchewan and make efficient use of limited resources, taking advantage of member agencies overlapping research interests and funding opportunities.

For additional information or if you have any questions, please contact First Nations, Métis and Community Education Branch at 306-787-7727 or email.

The Aboriginal Education Research Network extended membership to the following organizations:

• Saskatchewan School Board Association
• Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation / Stirling McDowell Foundation
• Department of Indian Education, First Nations University of Canada
• Gabriel Dumont Institute
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
• League of Educational Administrators, Superintendents and Directors
• College of Education , University of Saskatchewan
• Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
• Faculty of Education, University of Regina
• Aboriginal Education Provincial Advisory Committee
• Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre
• Ministry of Education 
• Aboriginal community
• First Nations Directors of Education

Introduction: 

The Ministry of Education revived the Saskatchewan Education Research Network (as the Aboriginal Education Research Network) with the intent of prioritizing and targeting areas for joint research that are mutually of interest and value.

The Aboriginal Education Research Network is a voluntary forum for education stakeholders and academic institutions in Saskatchewan to share investigative priorities, clarify educational issues, and collaborate in selected research projects. Its goal is to foster a collaborative research culture in Saskatchewan and make efficient use of limited resources, taking advantage of member agencies overlapping research interests and funding opportunities.

Principles for Network Activity

• focus on quality and excellence in education for Saskatchewan students;
• cooperation and collaboration in educational research;
• open and inclusive;
• cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary;
• respect for the individual orientations and agendas of member organizations;
• integrity in research design and reporting of data;
• community is involved and valued in the research;
• capacity building; and,
• appreciation for Saskatchewan cultural values and context in research.

Purpose

The Aboriginal Education Research Network (AERN) will encourage and focus education and related research priorities in Saskatchewan by linking and coordinating a provincial research agenda. Through collaboration in the investigation of educational issues and by sharing findings, AERN will enhance research capabilities in the province. By working in concert, mutual understandings about the interpretation and uses of findings may emerge. AERN will promote public confidence in research, strengthen teaching practices, build sector capacity in Aboriginal education research, improve public policy development, and inform educational decision-making.

Objectives

Specific objectives of the AERN are to:

• forge stronger links between research and educational practice and research and policy development;
• develop a comprehensive research agenda and identify provincial research priorities in education;
• develop a code of ethics and research protocols for shared research initiatives;
• build and promote the building of capacity in the area of Aboriginal education research;
• communicate research findings among members, the wider educational community and the general public;
• collaborate in specific research projects through joint grant applications and pooling of research resources;
• identify sources of funding for research; and,
• uphold high ethical standards and levels of research expertise in the province.

Cultural Affirmation and School Climate:

• Aboriginal Knowledge and Perspectives: Identifying, Deliverying and Assessing Best Practices With Middle Years' Students, (2006). Mike Cappello, Jennifer Tupper
• Aboriginal Identity and Learning: An Assessment of Educational Practices in a Rural Saskatchewan Collegiate, (2006). Naome Soleil
• An Investigation Into Indian and Metis Student Life Experience in Saskatchewan Schools, (1999). Bernard Schissel, Terry Wotherspoon
• Building School Climate Through Shared Governance, (2006). Harry Lafond
• Factors That Contribute To Aboriginal Students' Success in School In Grades Six to Nine (1999). Dr. Helen Horsman, Lorri Melnechenko.
• Factors That Contribute To Aboriginal Students' Success in School In Grades Six to Nine (1999). Executive Summary. Dr. Helen Horsman, Lorri Melnechenko.
• Okiskinahamakewak: Aboriginal Teachers in Sasktachewan's Publically Funded Schools: Responding to the Flux (1999). Verna St. Denis, Rita Bouvier, Marie Battiste.
• Towards Full Engagement of First Nation, Inuit and Metis Students: A Study to Support Learning of Students in Transition (2008).
• Towards Full Engagement of First Nation, Inuit and Metis Students: A Study to Support Learning of Students in Transition, Executive Summary (2008).
• When Aboriginal and Métis Teachers use Storytelling as an Instructive Practice, (2006). Melanie MacLean, Linda Wason-Ellam
• Developing a Culturally Responsive School Division (2008).

Shared Decision Making:

• Helping Our Children: Victoria School/Keeseekoose Chiefs Education Centre, (2006).

Core Curriculum Actualization:

• Kakīyaw Pē-itohtēwak - Everybody Comes, (2006). Florence Kanhai
• Science and Culture Nexus (1999). Glen Aikenhead, Bente Huntley.
• Strengthening Community through Science Curriculum Actualization, (2006). Alison Sammel

Life Long Learning:

• Diverting the Mainstream: Aboriginal Teachers Reflect on Their Experiences in The Saskatchewan Provincial School System (1999). Angela Ward, Louise Legare, Shauneen Pete-Willette, Linda Wason-Ellam, Karla Jessen Williamson.
• Legacy of Learning – the Impact of Adult Education within Community Schools, (2006). Frank Deer, Carmen McCrae