b'EDUCATIONChanging the Way We LearnThrough Resilience, Adaptation and VolunteerismT he Assembly of First Nationsnot every family has a strong internetover the coming months. For him, (AFN) continues to advocate forconnection or a device for every member.connecting virtually with materials and increased and sustainable post- Students may need to work around theirresearch has already been an integral secondary education resourcesfamilys household schedule to accesspart of his education and learning and learning opportunities throughtheir education.process. His school, like many others, community-based programming. AmidstFor many students, being away from theirwill be working to ensure that all course COVID-19, students and youth arestudent networks, or perhaps not beingmaterials are available online, so that adapting for the upcoming year. Theyreable to create a network in their firststudents everywhere will be able to access also exploring innovative ways to giveyear, might also pose a challenge. Jamesthe resources necessary to continue back to their communities by using theirtheir studies.educational and traditional backgrounds.responds that although students might be physically apart from each other, thereIve been able to succeed in terms of As for post-secondary students, theyreare alternative ways to build connections.planning ahead, says James when asked aware that life will look different thisJames states that virtual networks actabout flexibility. He stresses that its year. In a discussion on post-secondaryas strong ways to stay together. We areabout a work-life balance. Though it concerns, James1, a First Nations studentsupportive of each other, he says of themay be tough, defining a new school from Northern Ontario who is enteringrecent months spent virtually connectingroutine will be vital for continued success. his fifth year of studies, expresses thatwith fellow classmates.But students are not alone in this matter. there will be many new challenges to face during the school year. He explainsIn terms of addressing these challenges,Juliana, a recent Batchewana First that in the case of many First Nations,James explains that tuning in withNation graduate, highlighted how online learning and connectivity will posetime management will be an importantFirst Nations can support students challenges for students. For example,skill that students will need to developwho are finding alternative ways to 48 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'