COO publishes The New Agenda: A Manifesto For First Nations Education in Ontario

From the Acknowledgement and Introductions sections of the Manifesto (available at the Chiefs of Ontario web site at http://www.chiefs-of-ontario.org/education/manifesto.html)

The Manifesto was envisioned by the Ontario First Nations Chiefs-in-Assembly as a means of providing a foundation for change in First Nations education. The Chiefs expressed a vision of future negotiations based on a broad agenda, one that draws from a readily accessible and complete menu, including the history of relations, sovereignty and jurisdiction, Treaties, Aboriginal rights, unique philosophies and world views, Crown obligations, western and First Nations techniques and standards of education and the access and control of a fair share of First Nations’ own resources.

The Manifesto project is unique in ensuring that the primary writers and researchers are all First Nations peoples, and comprise the finest leaders, visionaries and practitioners in First Nations education.

The Manifesto was developed according to a well developed and logical methodology. Parent and educator focus groups were held in four regions of Ontario. Twenty-four writers produced distinct papers according to research framework designed to give Chiefs and their negotiators easy access to an orderly and complete picture of every aspect of education. The chapters of the Manifesto range from philosophy and history, to early childhood education and funding formulas, and every other aspect of education. There is an attempt to be as positive and forward-looking as possible. However, it also condemns the Federal Government for its failure on a grand scale to provide the minimum education to First Nations that others in Ontario have enjoyed for generations. It calls upon the Crown, once again, to live up to its obligations.

The Manifesto is a major milestone for First Nations in Ontario. It expresses the fundamental importance - and indeed the urgency – of First Nations to truly control and to have exclusive jurisdiction over the education of each child. Every aspect of First Nations well being and the full enjoyment of basic human rights is linked to a culturally appropriate and complete education. The uniqueness and beauty of the values of First Nations ancestors must not be lost. The future existence of First Nations as distinct peoples on Turtle Island depends upon it.

The New Agenda: A Manifesto For First Nations Education in Ontario

1. Manifesto Cover Page PDF

2. Manifesto Table of Contents WORD DOC

3. Manifesto Acknowledgements WORD DOC

4. Manifesto Introduction WORD DOC

5. A History of First Nations Education WORD DOC

6. First Nations Education Philosophy WORD DOC

7. Key Elements of Quality First Nations Education Systems WORD DOC

8. First Nations Affective-Effective Education WORD DOC

9. Manifesto Overview – A Principled Examination of FN Education Renewal WORD DOC

10. Education Governance WORD DOC

11. Review of INAC Funding for FN Schools WORD DOC