National Panel on First Nations elementary and secondary education report released today
The National Panel on First Nations elementary and secondary education report is suppose to be available today at http://firstnationeducation.ca/home
or CLICK HERE FOR THE PDF COPY OF THE REPORT
AFN press release
Assembly of First Nations Receives the National Panel Report on First Nations Education
OTTAWA, Feb. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo received the final report of the National Panel on First Nations elementary and secondary education. The National Panel began its work in June 2011 with a mandate, as an independent body, to provide recommendations to both the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and the Assembly of First Nations to improve First Nations elementary and secondary education.
"I thank the members of the Panel for their effort and acknowledge the tight timeframe for this work to be completed. First Nations set education as a priority and have consistently advocated for sustainable, equitable First Nations education systems that put our children first," said National Chief Atleo. "I am encouraged that this report acknowledges the urgency as well as the need to build First Nation education systems that respect First Nation rights and responsibilities. Now every First Nation leader and educator must have the opportunity to reflect on their own path forward."
"We have also received important submissions from regional organizations, First Nations as well as the recent Senate Committee report on First Nations education. All of this work is critical and reinforces the point that the time to act and to move forward is now," concluded National Chief Atleo.
This report is now available to all First Nations leaders, educators and students to review and to consider. Working closely with the Chiefs Committee on Education and national technical advisory bodies, the Assembly of First Nations will confirm immediate plans for a possible video conference as well as policy forum to engage broadly on next steps and recommendations. The role of the Assembly of First Nations will be to continue to facilitate this dialogue and to help create the space and momentum so that every First Nation can decide on appropriate and effective next steps to fully support their students to achieve success.
The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @NCAtleo, @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.
Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca
Jenna Young, AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca
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AANDC press release
Statement by the Honourable John Duncan on the Release of the National Panel's Final Report on First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education
Ref. #2-3618
Ottawa, Ontario (February 8, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today issued the following statement:
“Our Government recognizes that education is crucial to improving the quality of life for First Nations. We are committed to ensuring Aboriginals can prosper in Canada and take advantage of the opportunities that exist.
Today, the Panel released its final report http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/img/www-link.gif); background-color: initial; padding-right: 22px; padding-bottom: 3px; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"> that will provide feedback and recommendations on potential options to improve educational outcomes for First Nation students. Our Government will now review the Panel’s recommendations and determine a course of action.
Our priority, as identified in the Canada-First Nations Joint Action Plan, is to provide First Nation students with quality education that enables them to acquire the skills they need to enter the labour market and be full participants in a strong Canadian economy.
This priority was restated at the Crown-First Nations Gathering on January 24, 2012, where both the Government of Canada and First Nations agreed, upon mutual review of the report, to work together on a concrete way forward for First Nation students.
The Panel travelled across Canada leading discussions with First Nation leaders, parents, elders, students, teachers, provincial officials and the private sector. This provided an important opportunity to engage with interested individuals and groups and hear their opinions and ideas on how to improve education outcomes for First Nation students.
I am also extending our appreciation to those who participated in the engagement process. Your contribution is valuable.
Together, we are working to put students first and ensure they have an education that supports strong, self-sufficient individuals who can participate fully in Canada’s economic opportunities.
Again, I would like to thank the National Panel for their hard work and dedication to improving the educational outcomes of First Nation students.”
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