Study Hall for Indians

   High school students from four Indian reserves on the Saanich peninsula are being provided with a “study hall” program on week nights in Tsartlip School, Brentwood.

   Transportation to the school, where tutors and reference materials are available, has been arranged by the Indian school board.

   Molly Pelkey, school and home co-ordinator, says there are 75 students from East and West Saanich, Pat Bay and Cole Bay reserves who can take advantage of the program.

   Most of the students achieve much more by studying in classroom environment, she said.

   “They find this program really works.”

   A private organization donated money to operate the buses and pay supervisors after the Indian school board had appealed unsuccessfully to the department of Indian Affairs, the First Citizens’ Fund and the Indian Art and Welfare Society.

   The program is now funded until Christmas, but Mrs. Pelkey says money and additional tutors will be needed to continue the study hall until May.