2018 National Report

2

Recognizing our sponsors ........................... 3

Summary ..................................................... 4

Vision & Impact ........................................... 5

Summer Literacy & Learning ..................... 6

Strengthening Communities ...................... 7

Appendix A: List of Communities ................. 8

Appendix B: Evaluation & Outcomes ......... 10

Appendix C: Camp Activities ..................... 13

Appendix D: Community Involvement ...... 14

Appendix E: Economic Impact ................... 15

Appendix F: Support Letters...................... 16

Appendix G: Testimonials ......................... 22

Appendix H: Citations ............................... 23

Conclusion / Contact................................ 24

Contents

Cover photo: Escaping into a book in Marten Falls, ON

Acknowledgements The 2018 Indigenous Summer Literacy Camps were made possible with generous financial and in-kind

support from a wide range of civic and public-spirited organizations. The camps would not have been such a

resounding success without the support and participation of the leaders, children, parents, and members of

all the communities involved. For a full list of participating communities, please see Appendix A. Frontier

College thanks all its partners for their invaluable contributions and looks forward to working together again

next year. As a result of these partnerships, thousands of children, youth, and families across the country

benefitted from enriched summer literacy programming this year. Thank you!

SK YT

ON

QC

NL NU

MB NB AB BC

NT

3

Recognizing our sponsors

Frontier College is grateful to the following organizations who have championed the 2018 Indigenous Summer Literacy Camps program and contributed to its success. Air Creebec

Air Inuit

Air North

Alberta Ministry of Education

BC Ferries

BC Hydro

Birch Narrows Dene Nation

Boeing Canada

British Columbia Ministry of Education

Canadian Club of Rome

Canadian North

Cenovus Energy Inc.

Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation

Champagne & Aishihik First Nations

City of Saskatoon

Coach House Books

CODE

Corus Entertainment

Cree School Board

Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan

Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation

David and Patricia Morton Family Foundation

Ebb & Flow First Nation Health Authority

Eel River Bar First Nation

Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario

Elsipogtog First Nation

Elmwood Community Resource Centre

Empty Bowls Perth

Employment and Social Development Canada

First Book Canada

First Nations Schools Association of British Columbia

First Nations University of Canada (Regina)

Fisher River Cree Nation

Geoffrey H. Wood Foundation

Hatchet Lake First Nation

Healthy Horizons Foundation

Hydro One

Indigenous Services Canada

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Kativik Ilisarniliriniq

Kids Can Press

Kidsbooks

Laurentian University

Let’s Talk Science

McCain Foundation

Makivik Corporation

Manitoba Department of Education and Training

Manitoba Department of Indigenous and Northern Relations

Mining Matters

Misipawistik Cree Nation

Muscowpetung Saulteaux First Nation

North Star Air

Northern Lights School Division

Northland School Division No. 61

Nunastar Properties Fund for Northern Children

Nunatsiavut Department of Education

Nunavut Department of Education

Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade

Ontario Ministry of Education

Ontario Power Generation

Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation

Ontario Teachers’ Federation

Ontario Teachers’ Insurance Plan

Orca Book Publishers

Ontario Power Workers’ Union

Rotary Club of Winnipeg

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)

Saskatchewan Ministry of Education

Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice

SaskGaming

SaskTel

Scholastic Reading Club

Slaight Family Foundation

Slate Falls Air

Tachane Foundation

TD Bank Group

The Printing House

Thomas Sill Foundation

TELUS Thompson-Okanagan Community Board

TimberWest Forest Corporation

United Way of Lethbridge and South-Western Alberta

United Way of the Lower Mainland

United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo

Wasaya Airways

Waywayseecappo First Nation

Winnipeg Foundation

Frontier College acknowledges TD Bank Group as lead national sponsor of this program.

4

Summary

Since 2005, Indigenous communities across Canada have partnered with Frontier College to increase their

children’s opportunities and achievements through Summer Literacy Camps. The camps use a daily

curriculum of literacy-embedded activities to reduce summer learning loss and support children’s ability,

enjoyment, and confidence as readers. Community members and Elders help shape the camps by

incorporating traditional language, learning, and culture and by being an active, encouraging presence for

campers.

This year, the Indigenous Summer Literacy Camps reached 7,556 children and youth in 137 communities

across Canada. A further 398 children attended legacy camps in 9 communities.*

86% of parents said their children read more at home after attending camp

Campers benefitted from 6,748 visits by parents, Elders, and community members

Camps increased students’ academic readiness according to 80% of teachers surveyed nationally

This year, 27 communities hosted camps for the first time

*Legacy camps are summer learning enrichment programs based on Frontier College’s Summer Literacy Camps model

that are now operated independently by communities, with ad-hoc support provided by Frontier College. Statistics for legacy

camps are only available where communities voluntarily elect to share results with Frontier College.

What matters to Indigenous peoples in education is that children, youth, adults and Elders have the

opportunity to develop their gifts in a respectful space […] It is about fostering identity, facilitating

well-being, connecting to land, honouring language, infusing with teachings and recognizing the

inherent right to self-determination.1

- Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse,

What Matters in Indigenous Education

“

“

Outdoor reading in Aupaluk, QC

5

We believe that literacy is a right. With a focus on building and maintaining needed skills, the Indigenous

Summer Literacy Camps are helping children empower themselves over the long term through engaged

learning.

Frontier College has been collecting, nationally, a wide variety of data on the Summer Literacy Camps for

over 10 years. In 2017, Cathexis Consulting Inc. reviewed a sample of that data to better understand the

impact of the camps. By combining evaluations from campers, parents, teachers, and counsellors, they

concluded that camps promote better reading habits, increased academic readiness, improved attitudes to

learning, and increased self-confidence and social skills. External research (see Appendices B & H) confirms

that these outcomes reduce summer learning loss and lead to better school performance and life

outcomes. This is the vision of the Summer Literacy Camps.

Vision & Impact

The camps are achieving their intended purpose. Survey results strongly indicate that campers make

progress in a number of areas, including reading habits, academic readiness, school performance,

attitude to school and learning, self-confidence, literacy/numeracy skills, and social skills. A review of

research studies conducted on other populations suggests that these short-term outcomes will help

campers to live more successful lives in the long-term.2

- Cathexis Consulting Inc.,

Impact Evaluation of Frontier College’s Summer Literacy Camps

“

“

Keeping a journal in English River First Nation, SK

6

Children who return to school in the fall prepared for their grade level are at lower risk of falling behind and

more likely to complete school. School completion, in turn, leads to better outcomes in terms of

employment, independence, health, civic engagement, and reduced involvement with the justice system.

Summer learning loss, a drop in student performance between school years, is less common among children

who read regularly and have access to enriching programs during the summer months. That’s why the

Summer Literacy Camps increase the availability of books and learning opportunities in Indigenous

communities across Canada; campers are better able to maintain or build their skills over the summer.

Summer Literacy Camps are free to families and have a varied curriculum that keeps children learning while

they’re having fun. Literacy, numeracy, science, and critical thinking skills are embedded in active outdoor

games, arts and crafts, field trips, and cultural activities.

How much is enough?

Summer Learning & Literacy

To maintain or improve their reading level, children

need at least 15 minutes of engaged reading time

each day.3

In 2018, campers spent an average of 54 minutes a

day reading, and 95% of campers told us that they

like reading.

Everyone is excited about their books in Kinngait, NU

All eyes on the books in Eel River Bar First Nation, NB

7

Strengthening Communities

Summer Literacy Camps grew out of Indigenous communities’ desire to support and participate in their

children’s literacy and learning; beyond the benefits to campers, though, the camps make a wider impact on

communities by:

donating books

Campers spend time reading every day and bring books home to

keep. Each camp received approximately 200 donated books,

including books by Indigenous authors.

fostering a culture of literacy

Elders and community members lead Indigenous language and

culture sessions, field trips, and other activities. (See details in

Appendix D.) Parents and family members support their children’s

learning by visiting camp—to read a book, play a game, or just

observe. Their presence sends a positive message to campers about

the value of learning and education.

building skills locally

Local youth and adults receive training and increase their leadership

skills and literacy knowledge as camp counsellors. This year, 428

counsellors were hired, 75% of whom were local to the camp

communities—our highest local hiring rate yet.

An Elder teaches syllabics to campers in Samson Cree Nation, AB

Evidence is accumulating to show that

book ownership has a strong influence

on educational attainment irrespective

of other factors.4

- National Literacy Trust, 2011

“

My daughter loved coming to camp and I

believe she learned how much of a role

model she can be since she was one of

the older children that attended camp.

- Parent from Sioux Valley, Manitoba

These books are wonderful. It's so nice

to have so many Inuktitut books and

books with an arctic perspective.

- Parent, Kangiqsujuaq, Quebec

“

8

ALBERTA

Beaver Lake Cree Nation

Bigstone Cree Nation/Wabasca

Chipewan Prairie First Nation

East Prarie Métis Settlement ᶲ

Ermineskin Cree Nation

Fort Chipewyan

Gift Lake Métis Settlement

Heart Lake First Nation

Kainai Nation ᶲ

Kapawe'no First Nation

Kehewin Cree Nation ᶲ

Lethbridge ᶲ

Little Buffalo/Lubicon Lake

Band

Ma-Me-O Beach ᶲ

Paul First Nation

Peavine Métis Settlement

Peerless Trout First Nation

Piikani ᶲ

Samson Cree Nation

Siksika ᶲ

Tsuu T’ina Nation

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Adams Lake Indian Band ᶲ

Ditidaht First Nation

Leq’a:mel First Nation ᶲ

Little Shuswap Lake Indian

Band

Musqueam Indian Band

Nadleh Whut’en First Nationᶲ

Neskonlith Indian Band ᶲ

Nooaitch Indian Band

Pacheedaht First Nation

Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre

(Vancouver)

Simpcw First Nation

Sumas First Nation ᶲ

T’Sou-ke Nation ᶲ

Tzeachten First Nation ᶲ

INUVIALUIT SETTLEMENT

REGION (Northwest Territories)

Aklavik ᶲ

Inuvik ᶲ

Tuktoyaktuk ᶲ

MANITOBA

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation

Ebb and Flow First Nation

Fisher River Cree Nation

Hollow Water First Nation

Misipawistik Cree Nation

Sagkeeng First Nation

Sapotaweyak Cree Nation

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation

Thompson/School District of

Mystery Lake

Waywayseecappo First Nation

Winnipeg

NEW BRUNSWICK

Eel River Bar First Nation

Elsipogtog First Nation

NUNATSIAVUT (Newfoundland

and Labrador)

Hopedale

Makkovik ᶲ

Nain

Appendix A: List of Communities

This year, Indigenous Summer Literacy Camps were held in the following communities:

137 communities and legacy camps in

9 additional communities

27 communities held Summer Literacy Camp

for the first time in 2018

8 provinces and 3 territories

Returning host communities

New host communities

Communities running independent camps

9

Appendix A (cont’d): List of Communities

NUNAVUT

Hamlet of Arviat

Hamlet of Kinngait

Hamlet of Taloyoak

ONTARIO

Attawapiskat First Nation

Bearskin Lake First Nation

Big Grassy First Nation

Cat Lake First Nation

Eabametoong First Nation

Eagle Lake First Nation

Fort Albany First Nation

Fort Severn First Nation

Kasabonika Lake First Nation

Kashechewan First Nation

Kitchenuhmaykoosib

Inninuwug First Nation

Marten Falls First Nation

Mishkeegogamang First Nation

Muskrat Dam First Nation

Neskantaga First Nation

Onigaming First Nation

Sachigo Lake First Nation

Sandy Lake First Nation

Slate Falls First Nation

Wapekeka First Nation

Webequie First Nation

Weenusk First Nation

Whitesand First Nation

QUEBEC

Conseil des Abénakis

d’Odanak ᶲ*

Conseil des Montagnais du Lac-

Saint-Jean

(Mashteuiatsh) *

Conseil de la Nation Anishnabe

du Lac Simon *

Cree Nation of Chisasibi

Cree Nation of Eastmain

Cree Nation of Mistissini

Cree Nation of Nemaska

Cree Nation of Waskaganish

QUEBEC (cont’d)

Cree Nation of Waswanipi

Cree Nation of Wemindji

Cree Nation of

Whapmagoostui

Long Point First Nation

(Winneway) *

Micmacs of Gesgapegiag *

Mohawk Council of

Kahnawá:ke ᶲ*

Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation

Nation Atikamekw de

Manawan *

Nation Atikamekw de

Wemotaci *

Nation Innu de Matimekush-

Lac John ᶲ

Northern Village of Aupaluk

Northern Village of Inukjuak

Northern Village of Ivujivik ᶲ

Northern Village of

Kangirsujuaq

Northern Village of Kangirsuk

Northern Village of

Kuujjuarapik

Northern Village of Kuujjuaq

Northern Village of Puvirnituqᶲ

Northern Village of Quaqtaq

Northern Village of Salluit

Northern Village of Tasiujaq

Northern Village of Umiujaq

Timiskaming First Nation *

SASKATCHEWAN

Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation

Air Ronge

Balcarres

Beardy’s and Okemasis First

Nation

Beauval

Birch Narrows Dene Nationᶲ

Broadview ᶲ

SASKATCHEWAN (cont’d)

Buffalo Narrows

Clearwater River Dene Nation

Cole Bay

Cote First Nation

Creighton and Denare Beach

Cumberland House

English River First Nation

Fort Qu’Appelle

Green Lake

Hatchet Lake First Nation ᶲ

Ile-a-la Crosse

Jans Bay

La Loche

Lac La Ronge Indian Band

Muscowpetung Saulteaux

First Nation

Onion Lake Cree Nation

Pinehouse Lake

Prince Albert

Regina ᶲ

Sandy Bay

Saskatoon

St. George’s Hill

Stony Rapids

The Battlefords

Timber Bay

Uranium City

Weyakwin

YUKON

Champagne and Aishihik First

Nation

ᶲ Communities where Summer Literacy

Camps were held for the first time.

* Communities that are now running

Legacy Camps independently with

ad-hoc support from Frontier College.

10

Frontier College gathers feedback from campers, parents and caregivers, camp counsellors, teachers,

educators, and other community members to measure the outcomes for campers. This year’s campers:

read more

“As simple as it sounds, reading books can reverse the summer slide in literacy skills. […] Giving kids 12 books to read over the

summer was as effective as summer school in raising the students’ reading scores. […] Regardless of family income, the effect

of reading four to five books over the summer was large enough to prevent a decline in reading-achievement scores from the

spring to the fall.”5

Campers spent an average of 54 minutes reading every day, more than three times the amount

needed to fight summer learning loss

86% of parents said their child read more at home after camp

A total of 43,130 new books were sent home with campers to keep at the end of the summer

enjoyed reading more

“The act of reading, particularly engaged reading as opposed to the mechanics of reading, is a powerful predictor of life success

by any measure. It is the best predictor of who goes to university regardless of socio-economic background and parental

education. It is the best predictor of life income [and] career options.”6

95% of campers said they enjoyed reading

91% of parents said their child enjoyed reading more after taking part in camp

maintained and built their skills

“Because the foundation for literacy skills is laid in childhood, and the benefits from improved literacy accrue over a lifetime,

it is important to focus first on improving the literacy skills of Canada’s children and youth.”7

Campers felt they maintained or raised their skill in reading (87%), math (86%), and science (85%)

96% of parents said their child developed stronger reading, writing, and other skills

71% of teachers said children who attended camp maintained or increased their reading skills

returned to school more prepared

“The process of dropping out begins long before a child gets to high school. It stems from loss of interest and motivation in

middle school, often triggered by retention in grade and the struggle to keep up academically.”8

68% of campers said they were more excited about school because of camp

98% of parents felt camp helped their child return to school more prepared

80% of teachers said camp helped students be more ready to learn after the summer break

82% of teachers said camp positively benefits and/or complements their classroom teaching

Appendix B: Evaluation & Outcomes

11

Appendix B (cont’d): Evaluation & Outcomes

Mapping the case for camper impact

In 2017, Cathexis Consulting Inc. undertook an evaluation of Frontier College’s Indigenous Summer

Literacy Camps program based on 2016 survey data from across Canada and a review of the relevant

literature. The diagram below summarizes their results, sketches some of the most plausible ways that

the camps might lead to long-term impact, and makes a strong case that camps ultimately lead to

improved lives for those who attend.

Legend

Demonstrated by surveys

Demonstrated by the literature

Self-evident

X Not demonstrated

Summer Literacy Camps

Better reading habits

Increased academic readiness

Improved attitude

to school

Improved attitude

to learning

Increased confidence in self and skills

Enhanced social skills

Reduced summer

learning loss

Better school

performance

Enhanced literacy and numeracy

Better life

outcomes

X

Cathexis Consulting (2017)

12

Appendix B (cont’d): Evaluation & Outcomes

Perspectives of former campers and their parents:

In 2017 and 2018, Frontier College asked former campers and their parents or guardians who were involved in the Summer Literacy Camps to reflect on the impact of the camps on their lives since they attended. Surveys were distributed in communities in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. We will continue carrying out these surveys across the country in 2019 to build a strong body of data that demonstrates the impacts of the camps.

While these results are preliminary, they echo the survey responses we see from parents and campers each year, confirming that campers retain a positive assessment of the program into their youth and young adulthood. Campers who responded had attended the camps in their home community for an average of four years each, and ranged in age from 10 to 21.

68% agreed that camp had a positive effect on their personal life, 81% said camp positively impacted their school experience, and 63% said it positively impacted their employment;

67% agreed that camp encouraged them to be more ready to go back to school after the summer;

71% agreed camp encouraged them to ask questions at school when they don’t understand something; and,

75% agreed camp encouraged them to be confident that they will or could graduate from high school, and to think about going to post-secondary after high school.

Of parents and caregivers surveyed in 2017 and 2018:

98% agreed camp encouraged their children to like reading for fun or to learn new things;

82% agreed camp encouraged their children to read more often;

89% agreed camp encouraged their children to be more ready to go back to school;

84% agreed camp helped their children enjoy school more; and,

87% agreed that camp helped their children be confident that they will or could graduate high school.

Testimonials of former campers and parents speak volumes about the positive impacts of camp:

“

“

The camp helped my family talk more about school. Camper

We are focusing on our ambitions for the future and finishing school. Camper

My daughter asks me to read to her more often. Parent

Talked more about going to school, gave my mom more time for herself at work. Camper

We talk about Harvard, I want to go there for college. Camper

Camp helped the community get together. Parent

It helped me and my grandparents make future plans for school. Camper

It is very helpful in getting the kids ready for their education and to make new friends. Parent

Yes, my daughter is more positive at her reading, her marks in school have improved greatly thanks to

summer literacy camp and staff. Parent

13

The Indigenous Summer Literacy Camps include a wide range of literacy-embedded activities. By integrating

learning in all sorts of settings, camps help kids explore the many ways that words and numbers are part of

their lives. Activities at camp are diverse: building a Tipi, practicing how to use a hand drum, hearing

traditional stories from Elders, learning about climate change from an oceanographer, etc.

In an average 3-week camp this summer, participants took part in:

27 writing activities

22 numeracy activities

11 Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) activities

9 cultural activities

25 arts and crafts activities

13 music and drama activities

37 physical and outdoor activities

6 field trips and community events

Appendix C: Camp Activities

“ To succeed in school and life, children and young adults need ongoing opportunities to learn and practice

essential skills. This is especially true during the summer months… All young people experience learning losses

when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer… Students typically score lower on

standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the

summer.9 - National Summer Learning Association

Testing the physics of a wooden tower in Big Grassy First Nation, ON

Cooking with an Elder in Simpcw First Nation, BC

Learning to play traditional drum in Puvirnituq, QC

Making dream catchers at Peerless Trout First Nation, AB

“

The boys always read the books to us at night - therefore, we benefitted as a family unit to talk, listen

and discuss what we learned. The camp was wonderful concerning the social aspect. The boys are

more comfortable approaching other children when we took them to playgrounds. The camp has

helped with their growth mentally and emotionally. - Parent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

14

Appendix D: Community Involvement

Learning how to prepare a goose in Fort Albany First Nation, ON

Playing word bingo with a community member in Hopedale,

NL

Playing handgames with Elder Herman Sutherland

in Gift Lake Métis Settlement, AB

Father and child reading time in Ditidaht First Nation, BC

Learning about the Qulik lamp in Inukjuak, QC

This year, the camps recorded 936 activities led by Elders and guest presenters from the host

communities—an increase of 21% over last year. Frontier College also conducted surveys of parents

and caregivers at the end of camp:

97% of parents and caregivers agreed that the camp is a valuable program for their community

99% said that they would recommend the camp to other parents and caregivers

97% agreed that camp provides a friendly and welcoming environment for them to visit and take

part in their children’s learning

45% of parents and caregivers who visited and/or took part at camp said they had not taken part

in an event or activity at the school in the previous year

36% said that they have or had more than one child participate in the camps

“

“

I think it is important for Elders, parents, and community members to be invited to these camps to

share our knowledge because it is the traditional way of passing on stories and lessons and the kids

really love to hear from us. Everyone who took part in the day took something different away from the

lessons and I love that.

- Elder, North Battleford Saskatchewan

Watching a jingle dress dancer at

Ahtahkakoop First Nation, SK

15

Appendix E: Economic Impact on Host Communities

In addition to providing vital learning enrichment activities for participating children and youth, the

Indigenous Summer Literacy Camps also have a significant economic impact on local economies.

Thousands of dollars are injected directly through wages

and honoraria paid to local staff and members of the

community; the purchase of materials, food, and services;

and, indirectly through materials and resources such as

books and equipment that are distributed, which remain in

the communities at the end of each camp season.

In 2018, Frontier College estimates the economic

impact of the camps at approximately

$1.99 million.

Expense Amount

Salaries and benefits paid to local staff (This amount does not include salaries paid to

staff hired by host communities.) 943,357

Camp supplies, services, and food/snacks

that were bought for camp and/or left in

the communities

393,070

Honoraria to Elders, guest presenters,

and community members 39,083

Amount spent on training 219,562

Value of books distributed to the

communities 431,300

Total economic impact in 2018 1,987,328

A volunteer helping pack books and other supplies for the Summer Literacy Camps

Salaries and

benefits paid to

local camp staff

Camp supplies

and other

materials

Value of

books

Training

Honoraria

16

Appendix F: Letters of Support

17

Appendix F (cont’d): Letters of Support

18

Appendix F (cont’d): Letters of Support

19

Appendix F (cont’d): Letters of Support

20

Appendix F (cont’d): Letters of Support

21

Appendix F (cont’d): Letters of Support

22

Appendix G: Testimonials Campers

“I will teach my grandparents how to read.” Camper, Jans Bay, SK

“My Grandma is going to be so proud of me for doing this.” Camper, Musqueam Indian Band, BC

“I cannot wait to come back next year. I am going to be 13 so I want to help out.” Camper, Kuujjuaq, QC

“I'll miss reading funny books with my friends at camp, but maybe we can read together at home now!”

Camper, Attawapiskat First Nation, ON

Parents and Community Members

“I was happy to come in and speak – as a teacher, I think it’s great for you to be incorporating Inuktitut at camp.

Guest speaker, Nain, NL

“This Camp encouraged my family to read together.” Parent, Elsipogtog First Nation, NB

“The educational components in the games that the animators play with the kids is impressive. The kids don't

even realise they're doing math.” Community member, Kangiqsujuaq, QC

“I think the camp is important because this program during the summer really improves my kids’ confidence in

every day life” Parent, Kinngait, NU

“My kid has been going since 2014 and loves it every year. I enjoy helping and showing the campers traditional

crafts to keep them connected to their culture.” Parent, Fort Albany First Nation, ON

“Literacy camp has been one of the most successful and reliable programs throughout the years at Peawanuck.”

Parent, Peawanuck First Nation, ON

“Yes, this camp has made a positive difference for the children, families, and the community since camp started

in the community. The children always wanted to read more and play more and everyone was always happy.”

Community Counsellor, Ebb and Flow First Nation, MB

“My first time here and I like what I see. I’ve been an educator for 50 years and this program definitely helps

children retain their reading into the summer.” Elder, Cote First Nation, SK

“Encouraged both my children to become more social, involved into the community. My children are excited to

go to the library to check out new books, and has improved their self-esteem.” Parent, Mameo, AB

“Thank you so much for allowing my child to participate in such a great camp. My daughter now has her

confidence built around reading.” Parent, Stó:lō Nation, BC

“The children really enjoyed being on the land and participating in the cultural activities such as Southern

Tutchone, medicine harvesting and carving.” Parent, Whitehorse, YT

“Thank you so much for facilitating this program to help our children learn and gain knowledge in the

community.” Parent, Aklavik, NT

“My child demonstrated greater self-confidence with his type of personality and was more comfortable being a

non-athletic type.” Parent, Kuujjuaq, QC

“Yes, this camp has made a positive difference for the children, families, and the community since camp started

in the community. The children always wanted to read more and play more and everyone was always happy. ”

Community Counsellor, Ebb and Flow, MB

“My boy comes home and talks about camp and about how happy he is. Then he starts to read his book.”

Parent, Timber Bay, SK

23

Appendix H: Citations

1 Toulouse, Pamela Rose. (2016) What matters in Indigenous education: implementing a vision committed to holism,

diversity and engagement. People for Education. Retrieved September 22, 2017.

2 Cathexis Consulting Inc. (2017) Impact evaluation of Frontier College’s Summer Literacy Camps.

3 Barshay, Jill. (2014). Three lessons from data on children’s reading habits. Retrieved April 1, 2016. 4 Clark, Christina & Poulton, Lizzie. (2011). Book ownership and its relation to reading enjoyment, attitudes, behavior and

attainment. National Literacy Trust. Retrieved August 30, 2017.

5 Murphy Paul, Annie. (2013). Do kids really have ‘summer learning loss’? Time Magazine, July, 2013. Retrieved August 30,

2017.

6 Diakiw, Jerry. (2014). The power of engaged reading: how to boost our children’s life success? Instill a love of reading.

Education Canada, Spring, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2017.

7 Jamieson, Donald G. (2009) National strategy for early literacy: summary report 2009. The Canadian Language and Literacy

Research Network. Retrieved August 30, 2017.

8 Fiester, Leila & Smith, Ralph. (2010). Early warning! Why reading by the end of third grade matters. Annie E. Casey

Foundation. Retrieved August 30, 2017.

9 National Summer Learning Association. (2016) Know the facts. Retrieved August 30, 2017.

Appendix G: Testimonials (cont’d)

Teachers and Educators

“The thing that I am most thankful for is the diminished regression. The students who participate in this camp

have a much higher rate of retaining the progress made in the previous year of school.” Teacher, North

Battleford, SK

“I have actual data that proves the effect of the camp; I’m doing little tests with grade four students at the

end of school year and then at the beginning of the next year. The results are that kids who went to the sum-

mer camp show no summer loss and, in most of cases, an improvement of their skills compared to the end of

the school year.” Teacher, Whapmagoostui, QC

“The camp has had a lot of benefits for the children including opportunities to read both at the camp and at

home because of the multiple books the students take home. It also allows them to be social with friends

over the summer when some may not have had the opportunity.” Teacher, Prince Albert, SK

“I just love that they kept on learning through the summer in the program. The students come back still rea-

ding and haven't regressed too many if any levels in reading. They come back to school a little more

refreshed!” Teacher, Waywayseecappo First Nation, MB

24

Conclusion

Frontier College 35 Jackes Avenue Toronto, ON, M4T 1E2 Tel: 1800-555-6523 ext 323

indigenous@frontiercollege.ca

The continued growth of the camps reflects the communities’ belief

in the long-term impacts of literacy for community well-being:

higher literacy is linked to reduced poverty, a stronger economy,

healthier and more engaged citizens, and a higher quality of life.

Frontier College looks forward to offering the Indigenous Summer

Literacy Camps again in 2019, with the help of our partners.

Together, we can support children’s success and well-being

through literacy. See you next summer!

Young readers sharing a story in Makkovik, NL

Playing word bingo in

Fisher River Cree Nation, MB