Assembly of First Nations announces education forum

First Nation leaders from across Canada will be gathering in Ottawa from Oct. 2-4 to participate in the Chiefs Assembly on Education.
The three-day gathering will be an opportunity for a full discussion on supporting First Nations education and identifying strategies to move forward in critical areas such as treaty rights, jurisdiction, funding and language.
“First Nations leaders established education as a key priority, with our ultimate goal being First Nations control of First Nations education,” said National Chief Shawn Atleo in a media release. “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.”
Among the topics will be federal funding for new schools. A 2011 AFN survey of more than 450 First Nation communities found that 47 per cent (or 219) First Nation communities indicated the need for a new school. Of those 219 communities, 70 per cent have been waiting more than five years and 13 per cent have been waiting for than 20 years.
Earlier this year, the federal government promised $275 million over three years to support First Nation education. Recently, they committed funds to build new schools in Fort Severn and Pikangikum.
Atleo commended the community leadership for years of lobbying and said the government needs to do more.
“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.
The Assembly on Education was mandated by the chiefs during the recent AFN Annual General Assembly and is being organized with no government support.