Postings listed here should present examples of policies directed at improving thehealth and well-being of aboriginal students in a holisitc and culturally relevant way. This page lists a variety of resources, including policies, guidelines, and strategic directions that directly relate to aboriginal school health.
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Policy Frameworks, Guidelines, Statements

The following list provides a sample of the policy frameworks found in anEnvironmental Scan of Canadian websites of current school health strategies and initiatives to promote the health of aboriginal children and youth, produced by Lori Baugh Littlejohn,June 2006. For the full report, please see the attachment at the foot of this page.

Pan-Canadian Sample:

Drop the Pop is a school-based health promotion challenge to limit intake of soft drinks, provide public education on nutrition, and support students to choose healthier alternatives. What began initially in Nunavut has grown and there are now Drop the Pop programs in all three territories. See the NWT website for an example.
National First Nations and Inuit Injury Prevention Working Group
Vision: to unite in creating injury free and safe communities for today and tomorrow.
Mission: to develop and guide a coordinated injury prevention journey.
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnih-spni/promotion/injury-bless/wg-gt-prevent/inj_prevent_blessures_e.html

Aboriginal Literacy Summit (Yukon) http://www.yukonliteracy.ca/activities/Aboriginal.html

Aboriginal Blueprint: Saskatchewan Approach http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/aboriginal_sk_approach.pdf

Saskatchewan's First Nations and Metis Branch, Learning department.
The First Nations and Métis Education Branch provides leadership for the actualization of the goals of Aboriginal education in all aspects of the Learning
Program - curriculum, instructional strategies and resources, learning environments and assessment. http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/branches/fn-me/learning.shtml

The Aboriginal Youth Network provides a link to the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project
This school-based community lifestyle intervention project is undertaken by the Mohawk people of the Kahnawake community near Montreal, and
provides Kahnawake children basic knowledge, skills and family and community support to engage in lifestyle changes that will prevent
diabetes as they grow into adulthood.

Ontario's Royal Commission on Learning Report
The world of aboriginal education. "We made a special effort to hear about aboriginal issues from aboriginals themselves. We heard from Native organizations
and individuals in about one third of our hearings, we visited a number of their schools, and we established a working group with representatives of First Nations
and Native service organizations. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/abcs/rcom/short/short9.html

Healthy Ontarians in a Healthy Ontario: A Strategic Framework
While many Ontarians are getting healthier, others are being left behind. Certain higher risk communities, for example, Aboriginal peoples, face urgent health
challenges such as high rates of diabetes and increased risk of heart disease http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/strategicframework/default.asp

Learning for Life II (Nova Scotia)
The plan focuses on helping all students reach their full potential by encouraging them to live active, healthy lives, by providing more support for smaller class
sizes and special education, and continuing to target resources to areas that need support, like literacy and math. Examining First Nation learners experience
will be done through best practice demonstration sites and specifically focusing on Mi'Kmaw language curriculum. Learning for Life II: Brighter Futures Together

Aboriginal Education and Training Framework (AETF) 2004-2007
Manitoba's Department of Education framework "… to further the educational goals of Aboriginal education and training. Aboriginal Education Directorate The
Directorate coordinates the Aboriginal Education and Training Framework and provides leadership for departmental initiatives in Aboriginal Education and Training
and Advanced Education."
Aboriginal Education Action Plan

Aboriginal Languages in Manitoba Consultation Reports
"… to assist in planning for the development of a provincial curriculum in Aboriginal Languages."

Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures Task Force, First Nations Communities (Manitoba)
The task force recommends that the government increase accessibility to traditional and nutritious foods, and to culturally-focused physical activity and recreational
programs. http://www.gov.mb.ca/healthykids/docs/finalreport.pdf

Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements (BC)
An EA is a working agreement between a school district, all local Aboriginal communities, and the BC Ministry of Education. EAs are designed to enhance the
educational achievement of Aboriginal students http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/agreements/

"Modern pathways and evolving definitions: Reframing "Aboriginal school drop out" in a northern Canadian context."
Research and Policy Brief, Centre for Health and Policy Studies, University of Calgary http://www.chaps.ucalgary.ca/Davison.pdf

Alberta Child and Youth Initiative
The ACYI provides a forum for dealing with children and youth issues from a broad-based perspective by using the expertise of the partnering ministries, communities, and Aboriginal people
in developing strategies and initiatives. Strategies provide practical opportunities for organizations and individuals to work together for children, youth and their families.
http://www.aand.gov.ab.ca/PDFs/final_strengthrelations.pdf

Creative Newfoundland and Labrador: The Blueprint for Development and Investment in Culture
Possible links to comprehensive school health through to strategic directions: Aboriginal peoples and communities and Creative Education. In the Blueprint document – health and well-being,
improved test scores, and learning skills are considered benefits to the plan.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: An Integrated Approach (November 2003) (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Indicates Children and Youth as a target and includes school health curriculum, school support funding and Healthy Children's Initiative.
http://www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca/content/Publications/Brochures/PDF/HP/integratedresponseNov182003.pdf

Nunavut’s Promise to Children and Youth
An interdepartmental initiative that links four departments with a mandate for children and youth, including: Education, Health & Social Services,
Justice, and Culture Language Elders & Youth. Nunavut’s Promise works to streamline policies, programs and services for children and youth across
government. The group also supports community projects and engages Inuit Elders and youth in an advisory role.
http://www.gov.nu.ca/education/eng/index.htm

The Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy, 2007
A coordinated approach to support literacy and skill development.

Towards Literacy: A Strategic Framework (2001-2005) (NWT)
One key goal for school age children and youth: All students will acquire the literacy skills that prepares them for productive work, responsible citizenship, creative lives and lifelong learning.
55% of aboriginal youth leave school early
http://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/Publications/PDF%20Publications%20Files/Publications%20New/3-Towards%20Literacy%20A%20Strategy%20Framework%202001-2005.pdf

Youth in Action (PEI)
To promote cultural awareness and tolerance and to develop a healthy sense of community and co-operation among aboriginal and non-aboriginal youth.

Aboriginal Education Committee (PEI)
"… meets regularly to discuss strategies to assist Aboriginal students in the Prince Edward Island school system to achieve their potential.
" http://www.gov.pe.ca/educ/index.php3?number=79867

Health Canada. Acting on what we know: Preventing Youth Suicide in First Nations
"The literature on youth suicide prevention emphasizes that schools should provide a health education curriculum for all students that builds basic skills useful
for managing a variety of health and social issues rather than focusing exclusively on the topic of suicide
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnih-spni/alt_formats/fnihb-dgspni/pdf/pubs/suicide/prev_youth-jeunes_e.pdf