Urban students and schools asked to fundraise for required First Nation schools across Canada
From the Timmins Daily Press ...
Ignoring Native schools abhorrent
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus is mad as hell and who can blame him. Angus told the House of Commons Thursday he's launching a national campaign to raise cash for First Nation schools in Canada, stating the federal government has failed miserably to provide adequate funding to upgrade current schools or build new ones.
Angus described many First Nation schools as being in "Third World" condition.
"Education is a universal human right unless, of course, you live on a First Nation territory under this (federal Conservative) government," said an obviously angry Angus in the House of Commons. The truth is Angus is pretty much on the mark as the Conservatives have announced there's no money available for long-awaited new schools or major repairs.
Angus demanded Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl explain why the government has decided to announce a freeze on funding First Nation schools when the federal budget is expected to have a surplus of well more than $2 billion.
Angus was further incensed when Strahl and the government announced in December there's no money available to build a new elementary school in Attawapiskat First Nation on the James Bay Coast.
Angus said the project, which had been promised by three-consecutive Indian Affairs minister, had been in negotiations for months and talks had progressed to the point of detailing the size.
More than 400 students have shared eight portables in Attawapiskat since their school was closed in 2000 after leaking diesel fuel from a heating system was discovered.
Strahl said Ottawa spent $3 million on the portable classrooms and $250,000 on high school renovations in Attawapiskat.
With a straight face, Strahl told the House of Commons "we continue to invest in schools across the country as a priority for this government."
The Conservatives have announced $50 million for five new schools on First Nations and seven expansions or renovations across Canada, but Angus and other detractors realize that's not nearly enough.
Last week, Angus visited Attawapiskat and said the portables are a "buckling fire trap," with windows stuck open in freezing temperatures. An outraged Angus told the House of Commons "is that (the minister's) criteria for education? You know, we're not talking about buying holding pens for cattle.
"We're talking about the most fundamental right that every (child) in this country should enjoy - the right to go to a good school that gives them hope."
Angus told The Daily Press he's working with Native students and leaders in Timmins-James Bay to raise awareness and money.
"Students are always asked to raise money for schools in Africa ... we have our own Third World and we have our own need for basic schools."
This government should be ashamed it has failed to provide the most basic necessities to far too many First Nation students across this country.
We all know there would be outrage and protests if students had to attend run-down schools without proper facilities and teaching tools in any big city, yet the concerns of First Nation leaders and students continue to fall on deaf ears. It's time for this government to spend the money so every First Nation student in Canada receives the quality education they deserve.