TEACHER, TEACH ME — Its Time For Change

The dependency ratio is an economic indicator of working-age to non-working-age people. It defines the number of people likely to depend on others for support.

The dependency ratio is the total number of people too young or old to work, divided by the number of working-age people.
Dependency ratios reveal the population breakdown of a country and how well dependents can be taken care of.
Older citizens are becoming a larger percentage of dependency ratio, while the percentage of children being born is falling.

With every decade the dependency ratio grows higher. The higher the dependency ratio, the greater the burden. So how in today’s world, can the burden be lightened, rather than breaking our economical backs? How do we assist hard-working people who want to get out there and be a part of the solution? What do they need in their skill set to feel prepared and confident enough to join the workforce?
To start with, learning via on-line, although already in place in the largest part of Canada, will soon have the added availability of classes and courses, brought right to Indigenous communities and homes regardless of how remote they may be. The innovative and exciting news surrounding the launch of approximately 290 new satellites was brought forward in the LEO is out of this World blog. Times are changing, so must the way we teach and learn.

Itstimeforchange.ca is one of those highly innovative and specifically dedicated, Indigenous holistic, inclusive platforms. ITFC recognizes and understands the immediate need for expanded curriculum outlines, followed by training with solid plans that build successful outcomes, taught by Instructors with true knowledge of real-time needs and the heart of peoples needing it.

There are only a few years between now and the installations of LEO. This is a crucial time for many open and honest conversations, driven by the very people waiting for this inclusive and economically beneficial advancement, surrounding their requirements in education and training. It is more than time for the Government and management of the companies driving the economy hear, not just head nod, then work towards providing what is needed to promote change.
The learning system is yearning for an enhanced and expanded product overhaul. To become a reality for Indigenous students and workers alike, Government and Corporations (starting at the top down through to management) will need to sit at the same “Table of Respect” with Indigenous leaders and their peoples. When needs are heard in a collaborative and transparent way, honest, forward-thinking solutions are sure to evolve.

Within the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to Action, at the very beginning of those Calls, points 6–12 are directly regarding Education, from Early Childhood Development to Post Secondary backlogs. That tells you right there, it is one of the top priorities for Indigenous people from all over this great and prosperous country. Chiefs, Leaders and Councillors have been seeking answers knowing the Peoples of Indigenous communities want to be educated, feel productive and know they are valued members of our national community, willing and able to hold up and lessen the dependency ratio burden. Should those with dreams and work goals have an expectation and an inclusive, integral part of the development of those solutions? Yes, that answer is a resounding yes!

Education, for the most part has been the same one-way street of learning. The course is set out and it’s up to the student to follow in detail, until completion. Moving forward, there will need to be a change in direction and delivery of teachings. Every area, every community, every individual may have different requirements. It’s time for change in a big way! Rather than the institute demanding people learn their way, it’s time for people to stand up and say “ Teacher, Teach ME!”

The footprint of learning is there to follow, however, communication, non-judgmental, open-minded conversations surrounding these necessities will be key in years to come.
Teaching and Instruction must have the ability to adapt to the way of learning and the way of living, while having a true connection to the heartbeat of the people wanting to learn. There must be a future built on trust that has not ever existed before. Indigenous peoples wherever they live, must have the same learning tools and confidence building skills as any other Canadian.

While the learner becomes ready to step into the workforce, It’s Time For Change also understands this is a new and somewhat scary thought and an often-intimidating process for people just getting started on their new path in the work world. It’s Time For Change recognizes the many challenges and stands beside the Indigenous people as they speak for their future. Indigenous Liaison Service Providers within It’s Time For Change platform, will be a driving force mediating and procuring the many prerequisites in the new learning toolbox.

Reconciliation can not only be about healing the past, it must also be about looking towards a brighter, economically positive and inclusive future. It’s Time For Change looks forward to facilitating and assisting in bringing that brighter future for you, to you and with you. Let’s all say it together, loud and long….

“Teacher, Teach ME!”

Originally published at https://blog.itstimeforchange.ca on December 15, 2021.