Toulouse calls for concrete education plan

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse is calling for a concrete plan to improve on-reserve education, not just recommendations.
“We must replace an antiquated system of isolated and under-resourced schools with a systematic approach that links support, ensures capacity including the ability to plan and effectively manage this essential service – this basic right of our children to a good education,” Toulouse said Dec. 14 during a presentation on First Nations education challenges and opportunities to the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples.
“The way forward must be centered on our students, must respect our rights, and must confirm a First Nation education system. Both of these elements are critical to achieving progress and to guarantee results for our students.”
The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples is currently undertaking a nation-wide study to examine potential strategies to reform primary and secondary education so that it can better support and improve the education outcomes of First Nations learners.
In his opening remarks, Toulouse stressed Canada’s recent endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is “an ideal springboard for bringing national and international attention to the fundamental treaty right that First Nation young people have to an equitable, quality education.”
Toulouse noted the Nov. 30 introduction of Bill C-599 by the Bloc Québécois, which calls for the development and implementation of a First Nations education-funding plan to replace the outdated formula currently used to fund First Nations schools.
AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said Dec. 1 that First Nation education is currently funded under an outdated policy and practice and has been capped at only a two per cent increase for more than a decade.
The government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations announced Dec. 9 the creation of a panel of experts to lead engagement on First Nation elementary and secondary education.