Education and Community Building
Empowering Indigenous Elders Through Literacy
The Literacy Circle’s (TLC) Learning for Life initiative provides English literacy training and essential math skills to Indigenous Elders and adults, including Residential and Day School Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors.
This initiative was born out of a need expressed by Elders in the Snuneymuwx (Nanaimo) area, many of whom lacked formal education due to their experiences in Residential and Day Schools. The trauma they endured left them hesitant to enter traditional classroom settings.
With support from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), TLC created a safe and supportive classroom learning environment for these individuals at no cost to learners. The program was structured into three terms throughout 2023, and funds went towards instructor honorariums, venue costs, transportation, lunches and school supplies.
Learners were assigned to teaching pods based on their literacy levels, enabling them to support one another in a comfortable, self-paced environment.
Certified teachers with experience in adult literacy led the classes, while Navigators and Advocates – important roles created within the program – assisted with arranging class venues and transportation, and helped Elders with applications for assisted housing, tenancy disputes, and claims questions, breaking down barriers incurred by systemic racism.
This initiative empowered Elders and Adults to achieve personal goals like reading stories to their grandchildren, calculating change, renting apartments, and obtaining driver’s licenses. Yvonne Frenchie (Stzuminus), an 86-year-old participant, said, “There’s a whole bunch of stuff you can’t do when you can’t read or write. It’s never too late to go back to school.”
While numerous programs cater to Indigenous youth and children, Learning for Life identified and filled a gap, addressing the educational needs of Elders, giving them hope, healing, and a step toward reconciliation.
About The Literacy Circle:
The Literacy Circle program, started in October 2021, partners with retired, certified Instructors who partake in the San’yas Indigenous Cultural On-Line Training Course. The Board is led by Indigenous members with vast experience in assisting Survivors.
Learn more about The Literacy Circle and their work at https://www.theliteracycircle.ca/
Diocese of Victoria
