In this report, the authors describe the work of the Urban Aboriginal Education Pilot Project (UAEPP) in Toronto District schools (TDSB) between April 2009 and September, 2010. Much of the report is based on the research findings of the Talking Stick Project. The research confirms that institutions of formal schooling are failing to provide Aboriginal students with the educational environment and experiences that they need to achieve success. Urban Aboriginal students face a number of unique problems -- they are unable to find suitable connection with cultural knowledge and do not see themselves represented in the curriculum. They are "encouraged to attend school in the spite of a long, negative, and hurtful relationship between Aboriginals and schooling." School employees in urban settings face unique challenges in first of all recognizing Aboriginal student populations and then delivering programs when FN students are dispersed across a range of schools. Additionally, almost all educators lack the requisite knowledge and training for meaningfully teaching Aboriginal subject matter.

"A report of the Urban Aboriginal Education Pilot Project."