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AFN Press Release

AFN Welcomes Commitment by Government of Canada to Work with First Nations to Improve First Nations Education

OTTAWA, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo welcomed the announcement today by Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada John Duncan committing the Government of Canada to work in collaboration with First Nations to improve First Nations education.

"This is a positive development that responds directly to what First Nations leaders, citizens and students have been calling for," said National Chief Atleo. "We do not need or want a lengthy study. We need action now and, by working together as partners, we can ensure success for our learners, the youngest and fastest growing segment of the population. Since the 1970s, our people have been leading the way in education policy and innovation that is focused on the success of the student.  We know the importance of our language and culture and the critical role of our communities and parents in the success of our children. This is an opportunity to bring forward these ideas and to consider with the Government of Canada a fundamental transformation in First Nation education."

Today in the House of Commons, Minister Duncan announced that the Government of Canada is committed to working with us, including on the appointment of a panel of experts to oversee regional engagement sessions of First Nations leaders, youth, elders and others. This process is expected to produce a report to both National Chief Atleo and Minister Duncan by the summer of 2011. The announcement comes almost a year to the day that First Nation leaders across the country stood together at an AFN Special Chiefs Assembly to support their students and learners in making education a priority, and just before the AFN Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec to be held December 14-16.

National Chief Atleo stated: "Today, we have an opportunity to begin to look forward, to look towards affirming hope and opportunity for our children.  For too long, education policy has been imposed on our people and it has failed.  The tragic history and legacy of the residential schools stands in vivid testimony.  There is much difficult work ahead but I know that our people, our leaders and our educators are more than ready to meet the challenge.  Our work begins right away and this will be an important area for discussion at our Special Chiefs Assembly next week.  I look forward to these discussions. This is about nothing less than a better future for First Nations and a stronger Canada for all Canadians."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations in Canada. 

For further information:
Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382, 613 292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer at 613-241-6789, ext 401, 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca.

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INAC Press Release

Government of Canada and Assembly of First Nations Announce the Creation of a Panel of Experts to Lead Engagement on First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 9, 2010) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-status Indians, and Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, announced today that a Panel of Experts will be created to explore and advise on the development of options, including legislation, to improve elementary and secondary education outcomes for First Nation children who live on-reserve.

"By working collaboratively we are taking the right steps towards providing First Nation students with the quality education they require for success," said Minister Duncan. "The Panel will travel across Canada to hear views and opinions on how best we can improve and reform the governance and accountability of the First Nation education system. I am confident that through this process, we will be able to make concrete and positive changes for First Nation students."

"Improving First Nation education is a top priority for First Nations leadership right across the country as affirmed at our Assembly almost exactly one year ago," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief, Shawn Atleo. "We are pleased that the Government of Canada is committing to work with us and to focus on the fundamental improvements urgently needed that will support all of our children and generate hope and opportunity."

The Panel of Experts will be tasked with the mandate to lead an engagement process to hear from First Nation leaders, parents, students, elders, teachers, provinces and all those with an interest and a view on how to enhance the education system and outcomes of First Nation learners.

The Panel will present a progress report to the Minister and to the National Chief following the engagement process. The final report with recommendations will be delivered in mid 2011.

The appointment of members to the Panel and details of the engagement activities will be made available early in the new year.

Backgrounder

ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY EDUCATION REFORM

MANDATE OF THE PANEL OF EXPERTS

The Panel of Experts, appointed by the Minister in collaboration with the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, will be mandated to lead an engagement process on elementary/secondary education for First Nations students on reserve, beginning in early 2011.

This important step builds on the Government of Canada's commitment made in Budget 2010, to work with First Nations along with other partners to strengthen and improve First Nations education. Options will be developed to make concrete and positive changes for First Nation students, including the possibility of new legislation to improve the governance framework and clarify accountability for First Nation elementary and secondary education.

The Panel of Experts will be made up of respected and qualified individuals, each of whom will bring an informed perspective to the discussions. Panelists will be appointed based on their knowledge of education issues, demonstrated interest in Aboriginal issues, innovative approaches and their ability to be objective and solutions-oriented.

The engagement process is an integral part of reforming elementary/secondary education for First Nation students on-reserve.

The Panel of Experts will lead one national and eight regional roundtable sessions, to be held across the country.

A progress report is to be presented to the Minister and to the National Chief following the engagement process and a final report is to be delivered in mid 2011.

The Panel of Experts will be announced early in the new year, along with further details on the engagement process and opportunities for participation.

For more information, please contact

Office of the Honourable John Duncan
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
or
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations
819-953-1160
or
Assembly of First Nations
Jenna Young
Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401
or
Assembly of First Nations
Alain Garon
Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 382