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Special Fall Assembly of the Anishinabek Nation at

http://gardenriver.ca/webcast.html (internet explorer only)

Click here for a copy of the agenda

COO press release

Garden River First Nation Plan Education Rally to Coincide with Anishinabek Gathering on November 9, 2010

Toronto, ON - November 5, 2010 - Garden River First Nation is planning a two hour highway slowdown on Monday November 8, 2010 in response to the federal government’s continued neglect of their fiduciary obligations with respect to First Nations education.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse and the Chiefs of Ontario are fully committed in their support for Chief Lyle Sayers and the citizens of the Garden River First Nation in this peaceful rally. The First Nation, with the support of the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs, will slow traffic from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday November 8, 2010 on Highway 17 and 17B as motorists pass through the Garden River First Nation. All emergency traffic will be allowed to proceed through without delay. The highway traffic slowdown coincides with the Anishinabek Grand Council Fall Assembly in Garden River First Nation where the Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.

In addition, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation is planning a highway traffic slowdown from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday November 9, 2010 on the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, Highway 105 at Makwa & Kichi Mikan to raise awareness on the issue of the chronic underfunding of First Nations education.

“Canadians need to understand that current funding levels for First Nations education are inadequate with an antiquated funding formula that provides zero $ for libraries, zero $ for science and technologies and zero $ for languages,” stated Regional Chief Toulouse. “This is on top of an arbitrarily imposed 2% cap on spending put in place over 10 years ago which continues to impact daily education activities resulting in declining enrolment and waiting lists for First Nations youth to obtain post secondary education funding.” He also emphasized that the playing field must be levelled and First Nation youth should receive the same funding and resulting quality education that all other Canadian children enjoy.

The Regional Chief stressed the fact that the First Nations in Ontario have continually raised the issue of chronic underfunding in First Nations education with the federal government. “We believe that ensuring our children and youth receive an academically solid and culturally rich education is the key to our future prosperity and to a world of opportunities that for too long our children have been denied,” said Chief Toulouse.

All Canadians are invited to join in this peaceful call for government action on First Nations education.

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For more information please contact:
Andre Morriseau
Chiefs of Ontario
416-580-9320
andre[at]coo.org