Research

At times, research is needed to help groups respond effectively to community and workplace literacy needs. NLS funds a range of research initiatives, such as needs assessments, literacy program evaluations, and studies of the needs or barriers to access of particular segments of the population. In the past, NLS funding to Aboriginal organizations for research has been spent largely on needs-assessment studies. Many of the groups which received funding for research were just beginning to assess the particular needs of their communities for literacy programming. Some were interested in targeting the needs of particular sub-groups within their communities, for example, youth or young mothers. The goal for most of these communities was to develop a plan for establishing a literacy program to meet the specific needs of the target group.

Other examples of research projects include the following:

• Native Council of Prince Edward Island (1997/98) received NLS funding to carry out research to determine the barriers that prohibit Off-reserve Aboriginal learners from obtaining literacy training.

• Kwakiutl District Council of BC (1997/98) conducted research in preparation for the development of instructional strategies and an appropriate outreach structure for literacy programs which would serve the four bands in the Campbell River region.

• Sioux-Hudson Literacy Council of Sioux Lookout, Ontario (1996/97) was supported by the NLS to conduct a literacy survey to gather quantitative and qualitative data on literacy-related issues: past and current barriers to participation, the purposed and perceived value of literacy and what constitutes a positive learning environment for the Aboriginal community of Sioux-Hudson. The study was designed to assist the Council in re-evaluating and creating more attractive programs for adult Aboriginal learners.

• Kenamatewin Native Learning Centre of Ontario (1995/96) conducted research in their efforts to develop a comprehensive assessment tool to assess reading and numeracy skills which would be culturally relevant for Aboriginal people.

• Mi’kmaq First Nations Literacy Council of PEI (1995/96) received funding to conduct a survey of the Aboriginal community in the province to identify literacy needs and to develop culturally-sensitive literacy programming.

• Moosonee Native Friendship Centre of Ontario (1995/96) received NLS funding to conduct a feasibility study for developing literacy programming for remote First Nations communities in its area and to pilot a model for implementing satellite literacy training.