Although the need for this work was first identified by one of our partners in 1993, in the Winter of 1998/99 several of our current partners came together for two exploratory meetings, in Ottawa and then on the Oneida territory. At this time, we first conceived ourselves as a possible national coalition.

We have now built a diverse, many-partnered network that functions primarily on a ‘virtual' basis. Classroom teachers, provincial education officials, academics in education faculties and related disciplines such as languages and history, anti-racism activists, and traditional Indigenous Elders are just some of the people who make up CAAS' network.

Our work-plan has several priorities for the coming two years. You can read it in Word format, by entering through this link: CAAS Strategic Plan - 2001/2002.

We have an expanding vision of where we want to be in four or five years. This involves the development of regional, local and cultural networks where people commited to this pedagogy can support and mentor one another, and also share/develop culturally and regionally relevant resources.

Our initial funding has come from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the George Cedric Metcalf Foundation, the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (Public Education Unit). Chi Miigwetch! to DIAND and the Metcalf Foundation, who financed the development of this website.