Content area
Abstract
Administrators, staff, teachers and students working and attending Chemainus Native College and Stu"ate Lelum Secondary School have stated great concerns over the high absenteeism rate at their School. Veronica Nicholson, the researcher was approached by school officials to examine the absenteeism problem.
This study addresses two main questions: (1) What are the factors that contribute to an unacceptably high level of student absenteeism at Chemainus Native College and Stu"ate Lelum Secondary School, and (2) What might the school officials do to bring the absenteeism rate within acceptable levels, while recognizing the importance of Aboriginal culture?
In order to answer these questions the research focus is on the actual experiences and receptions of current as well as former students and staff at Chemainus Native College and Stu"ate Lelum Secondary School. The fieldwork, which was exploratory in nature, included interviews with education counselors, administrators, coordinators, teachers at the secondary school, level as well as others directly involved with the organization. The study was also informed by relevant literature on First Nations education, research on student absenteeism, participant on-site observation and learning journals of the researcher. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
