AFN holding self-sufficient gathering on education

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic is calling for a focus on cultural diversity and the philosophy of lifelong learning at an upcoming Assembly of First Nations education conference.
“Part of the national strategy really has to highlight the cultural diversity of First Nations and reflect the philosophy of lifelong learning, not just the academics of education,” Kakegamic said in an e-mail. “AFN can write any vision they wish but if they don’t push and support community ground work at the grassroots level, it will not move ahead.”
The Chiefs Assembly on Education is being held from Oct. 2-4 in Ottawa, as mandated during the 2012 AFN Annual General Assembly.
Kakeegamic said the conference comes at a critical time for NAN.
“The Harper government is planning new education legislation that will impact the education delivered in our communities,” Kakegamic said. “We need to ensure that this new legislation does not replace self-governance in education in which NAN First Nations have been involved in for over 10 years.”
Kakegamic said the conference would provide an opportunity for First Nations to create a unity of purpose regarding education services.
“We must unite with other First Nations across Canada to advocate for appropriate funding and education services to ensure our youth have every opportunity to realize their dreams and live successful lives,” Kakegamic said.
AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo said that in moving forward, education is a key element for success.
“First Nations leaders established education as a key priority, with our ultimate goal being First Nations control of First Nations education,” said Atleo. “Our direction forward must address the treaty right to education, First Nation jurisdiction over education, fairness and equity in funding and resources to support language and cultural instruction.”
Atleo noted that due to the young Aboriginal demographic, getting First Nations education right is crucial for the future of the entire country.
“First Nations are the youngest and fastest growing segment of the population,” he said. “Their future is Canada’s future.”
While the federal government recently announced new schools for Pikangikum and Fort Severn, a 2011 AFN survey found that 219 First Nation communities indicated the need for a new school, with 70 per cent of the 219 communities having waited for more than five years for a new school and 13 per cent having waited for more than 20 years.
“First Nation schools and infrastructures require predictable, adequate and stable funding, supported by strong First Nations systems, delivering a curriculum that respects our rights, our languages and identities and strengthens the fabric of our families and communities,” Atleo said.
Atleo said the AFN has been pressing its case over the past three years with every level of government, with corporate Canada, with civil society and internationally.
“Now through national coordination, we can deliver on the path forward fully respecting and supportive of the differences of regions, treaty areas and the ultimate autonomy of First Nations,” Atleo said. “We can deliver change and we will do so by working together and fully respecting one another.”