Author Description

This case study was completed as part of a national research study of a selected sample of secondary schools, conducted to identify and analyse successful practice in schools in different regions and to suggest policy implications. The study examines five issues: the meaning and recognition of success; the interaction between the school and its context; the influence of structures, processes, and culture of the school in fostering success; the characteristics of student life in the school; and services provided to students at risk of becoming dropouts. The school examined in this particular study began as the Saskatoon Native Survival School in 1980 to provide an educational alternative for certain groups of Aboriginal students. The central focus of the school is on Native culture (Plains Cree), including spiritual aspects, language, and self-healing. The study includes a history of the school and trends in its programs over time, descriptions of school programs and culture, and sections on staff and parent council activities. The appendix describes the study methodology.