INDIANS IN CANADA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1938, Page 9

INDIANS IN CANADA

HEAVY EXPENDITURE MADE ON EDUCATION. EMPHASIS LAID ON MANUAL TRAINING. OTTAWA, Canada. Education of Indian children in Canada has taken great strides in the last few years. The Canadian Govment spent 1,821,000 dollars in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1937, for Indian education. Pupil enrolment in the government Indian schools numbered 18,300. An attempt has been made to bring the policy of the Canadian Government Indian education into closer conformity with the life needs of the children and steadily increasing emphasis have been placed on the importance of manual training. Schools erected recently have been equipped to provide an educational programme designed to meet the needs peculiar to the Indian reserves on which they are located. It has been interesting to note the increasing demands for short courses in agricultural ’ and home-making classes and the desire of the Indians to recognise the value and distinctiveness of their arts and crafts. In equipping the Indian children with knowledge of modern methods and data, the Canadian Government has also encouraged them to conserve and develop theii’ ancient arts and handicrafts and thus contribute to the cultural life of Canada. !

There are now approximately 114,000 Indians resident in Canada, most of whom are located on Government Indian reserves.