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Joint INAC and AFN press release

Minister Duncan and National Chief Atleo launch engagement process for First Nation elementary and secondary education

Ottawa, Ontario (June 21, 2011) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Shawn Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, today officially launched an engagement process to explore solutions that will improve First Nation elementary and secondary education on reserve.

“Education is a targeted priority of the Canada-AFN Joint Action Plan,” said Minister Duncan. “Today's announcement is a concrete example of the importance of partnership and collaboration. This engagement process will be looking at options, including legislation, to improve the education outcomes of First Nation students. It will be led by a National Panel composed of experienced individuals who have dedicated their careers to helping children and youth succeed. This engagement focuses on encouraging individuals to offer their input and insights on reforming elementary and secondary education on reserve.”

“All First Nations have made education a top priority,” commented National Chief Atleo. “This panel is an important opportunity to profile what is working and where there are barriers that must be overcome. We encourage all First Nations educators, leaders and families to fully engage. Our traditions have always emphasized the collective responsibility of supporting and nurturing our children's success. We must drive forward this opportunity and bring forward the specific approaches to finally deliver sustainable, stable and equitable education enabling our students to succeed.”

The National Panel will lead the engagement process, which will include roundtable sessions, visits to First Nation schools and key meetings with stakeholders across the country. The engagement process is also designed to allow anyone with an interest and a view on how to improve First Nation elementary and secondary education to participate through a

dedicated website where participants can post, vote and comment on ideas, and submit and/or read written submissions online.

The work of the National Panel gets underway this week with a visit to Akwesasne First Nation. More information on the National Panel engagement activities will be available on the National Panel's website.

The National Panel will make recommendations to the Minister and National Chief on options to make concrete and positive changes for First Nation students, including possible legislation, to improve the governance framework and clarify accountability for First Nation elementary and secondary education. The Panel will report by the end of the 2011 calendar year.

To learn more about the engagement process and to make sure your voice is heard, visit Students First! .

Backgrounder - Mandate of the National Panel

For more information, please contact:

Minister's Office

Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160

Assembly of First Nations

Jenna Young
Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401

Alain Garon
Bilingual Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 382

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Assembly of First Nations Releases First Year Report It's Our time: a Call to Action On Education, a Year in Review

OTTAWA, June 20, 2011 /CNW/ - The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) today released a one-year status report on the national Call to Action on First Nation education, showcasing progress and partnerships in working toward fairness in education for First Nations and encouraging others to join the effort.

"The national call to action on education is based on an 'all hands on deck' approach to ensuring a better future for our kids and the response has been motivating and inspiring," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo who launched the effort last June, reaching out to all Canadians, the provincial and federal governments, corporate and philanthropic sectors and institutions of higher learning.  "First Nations across Canada have made education a key priority. For the past year, we've gained the support of institutions and organizations which reinforces our push to change outdated legislation, policy and funding frameworks that are hindering the success of our kids."

The report entitled It's Our time: a Call to Action on Education, a Year in Review highlights progress in five key areas of the national call to action launched last June:  Reconciliation, a First Nations Education Guarantee, Sustainability, Systems, Support and Partnership.

The AFN has initiated a number of activities promoting the national Call to Action on First Nation education to advance the effort.

• AFN issued the position paper "First Nations Control of First Nations Education 2010", an updated version of the landmark 1972 policy paper "Indian Control of Indian Education" in July 2010.
• AFN held a national week of action on education September 19-24, 2010.  Events included a gathering of over 1000 supporters on Parliament Hill, facilitated meetings between Chiefs and Members of Parliament, an awareness walk from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and outreach to international embassies to help garner international support. Additional activities were hosted by communities and regions across the country.
• AFN and the federal government established a joint national panel on First Nations K-12 Education in December 2010.
• AFN hosted two online virtual summits focused on gaining input and feedback from students on post-secondary education supports.  The first was hosted by Vancouver Island University in January 2011 and First Nations University of Canada in February 2011. Feedback was also received by survey made available to students online.
  AFN continues to ensure First Nation education remains a priority with provincial and territorial governments through work with the Council of Ministers of Education Canada and the Aboriginal Affairs Minister's Working Group.
• AFN continues support for the "Shannen's Dream" campaign for equitable funding for First Nation education and participation on a Day of Action on April 27, calling attention to the reality that many First Nations don't have safe and healthy schools or, in too many cases, don't have schools at all.

"First Nations have set out clear targets in education and we are seeing positive signals from the federal government in terms of willingness to work with us, particularly our joint efforts on K-12," said National Chief Atleo.  "This path needs to lead us to a statutory guarantee for fair, equitable funding for First Nation students, recognition of First Nation languages, cultures and stable and secure education systems. Education is the key that will unlock the full potential of First Nations in this country. Our kids must be supported in fulfilling their dreams."

It's Our time: a Call to Action on Education, a Year in Review can be downloaded at www.afn.ca.

AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo declared June 2011 a month of First Nation advocacy, awareness and action. Find out more at www.afn.ca.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  AFN and National Chief Atleo are on twitter.  Follow @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms and @NCAtleo.

For further information:
Don Kelly, Assembly of First Nations A/Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 334 or cell: 613-292-2787 or email dkelly@afn.ca

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

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca