Is First Nations Education Funding About to Get Boosted?

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

February 19th, 2012

The Harper Government has hinted it will increase First Nations education funding, in the upcoming federal budget.

The topic of Education For First Nation Children got a full airing in the House of Commons this past week, during debate of the following NDP motion:
"That, in the opinion of the House, the government should adopt Shannen's Dream by:
(a) declaring that all First Nation children have an equal right to high-quality, culturally-relevant education;
(b) committing to provide the necessary financial and policy supports for First Nations education systems;
(c) providing funding that will put reserve schools on par with non-reserve provincial schools; (d) developing transparent methodologies for school construction, operation, maintenance and replacement;
(e) working collaboratively with First Nation leaders to establish equitable norms and formulas for determining class sizes and for the funding of educational resources, staff salaries, special education services and indigenous language instruction; and
(f) implementing policies to make the First Nation education system, at a minimum, of equal quality to provincial school systems."

Reference to Shannen's Dream is about the campaign by Shannen Koostachin to get a new school for her community - Attawapiskat, and funding fairness for all First Nations. On average, First Nations students receive $2,000 to $3,000 less support for their education per year, than other Canadian students.

The Harper government is quick to point out that it "spends some $1.5 billion each year to support education for approximately 117,500 elementary and secondary school students who live on reserves".

During debate of the opposition motion, Greg Rickford the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, made his position clear: "I would like to thank the hon. member for the motion and tell him that I support it." The motion was put forward by Mr. Jonathan Genest-Jourdain representing Manicouagan riding for the NDP.

If the Conservatives do indeed support the content of the above described motion, then logically there is no way they can ignore the need to include increased education funding for First Nations in the budget. It would be disingenuous to support the House of Commons motion, but not what it says about committing to provide the "necessary" financial support.

Another good indication of the government's intention to "walk the talk" on First Nations education, was the Prime Minister's theme during his talk at the recent Crown/First Nation Gathering. It would be insincere of him to agree to work with the AFN to improve education, without ensuring adequate funding is attached to the federal commitment.

Among those participating in last week's House of Commons debate on Education For First Nations Children, was Jean Crowder, NDP for Nanaimo/Cowichan:

"I am blessed to live on the Cowichan people's traditional territories. Many of the elders and other community members work hard to provide education to their young people, so they can take their rightful place in society. However, what we see time after time is a first nations school on reserve, a very good school where they are teaching the Hul'q'umi'num language. The elders are participating in the classroom and they are instilling the cultural values and values of family in their young children. However, they simply do not have the level of funding of the other schools, right next door.
How can that happen? This is not in a rural area, this is on southern Vancouver Island. There are children half a kilometre away, who do not have the same access to funding.

How does that happen in this country? I think that is a question we have to ask ourselves."
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Also of interest:

Ontario ought to step in and provide funding for First Nations education shortfall, says major report.

Anishinabek Nation leaders are urging the provincial government to adhere to the Drummond Report recommendation to put "strong pressure" on the federal government to fund on-reserve First Nations education equal to per-student provincial funding for elementary and secondary education.

The report says if the federal government fails to do so, Ontario should provide the necessary funding. "Underfunded programs, like education, are a big area where First Nations across the country continue to struggle while Canada prospers," says Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee. "We need immediate action. We need a First Nation education system, not band-aids on agreements and policies that are failing First Nations children and youth."

"But spending the same to educate our kids as others is a no-brainer", said the Grand Council Chief. The United Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to which Canada is signatory, says that Indigenous individuals, particularly children, have the right to all levels and forms of education of the State without discrimination.

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Is Shannen's Dream moving closer to reality?
February 27, 2012

NDP leads way to historic vote on 'Shannen's Dream'

Conservatives need to follow through on First Nations education in upcoming budget

OTTAWA – After years of hard work, a New Democrat motion calling for the end of funding discrimination against First Nation schools is set to pass Monday night with unanimous consent.

The motion, based on the principles of the Shannen’s Dream campaign, moves Canada one step closer to ending inequality for First Nations’ education.

“We need to guarantee education for all,” said Aboriginal Affairs critic Linda Duncan (Edmonton-Strathcona). “It is long past time to commit to the funding and support needed to provide a quality education for First Nation communities.”

The NDP motion, moved by deputy Aboriginal Affairs critic Jonathan Genest-Jourdain (Manicouagan), calls for the government to declare that First Nations students have an equal right to quality education, and to work with First Nations leaders on an action plan that ensures students on reserves receive a properly funded, culturally sensitive education.

“After all the work and effort that’s been put into ending the shameful neglect of First Nations’ education, we are now one step closer to making Shannen’s Dream a reality,” said Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay), who has been leading the fight to get the children of James Bay coast a proper school.

“It’s great to see that we have all parties finally agreeing on this motion - it is now up to the government to live up to the democratic will of the House and actually implement these principles as soon as possible,” Angus said. “We cannot let another generation down by not acting.”

Shannen’s Dream, founded by the late Shannen Koostachin, is a campaign focused on ending the funding discrimination faced by First Nation schoolchildren across Canada.

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Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

February 28th, 2012

Canada's federal politicians have brought "Shannen's Dream" one step closer to reality.

A total of 268 Members of Parliamewnt voted last night and all 268 voted to support the Opposition Motion-Education for First Nation Children. Yes, even the governing Harper Conservatives voted in favour of the motion, and that signals better days ahead for First Nations students. That is, if the government walks the talk that is specific in the motion:

"That, in the opinion of the House, the government should adopt Shannen's Dream by: (a) declaring that all First Nation children have an equal right to high-quality, culturally-relevant education; (b) committing to provide the necessary financial and policy supports for First Nations education systems; (c) providing funding that will put reserve schools on par with non-reserve provincial schools; (d) developing transparent methodologies for school construction, operation, maintenance and replacement; (e) working collaboratively with First Nation leaders to establish equitable norms and formulas for determining class sizes and for the funding of educational resources, staff salaries, special education services and indigenous language instruction; and (f) implementing policies to make the First Nation education system, at a minimum, of equal quality to provincial school systems."

Reference to Shannen's Dream is about the campaign by Shannen Koostachin to get a new school for her community - Attawapiskat, and funding fairness for all First Nations. (Shannen died in a car crash, but her dream has been kept alive by First Nations and their supporters, in both the NDP and Liberal parties.)

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo said he looks to all of Parliament to uphold the commitment made by MPs. In recognizing the importance of the adoption of the Parliamentary motion supporting First Nations education he said:"First Nations leaders, educators and our inspiring young leaders like Shannen Koostachin have made a clear and compelling case for investing in First Nation education. Our kids deserve good schools - schools that nurture them in their languages and cultures and schools that create the opportunity for success. The support of all Parliamentarians is a key next step and a solid indication that we are on the right path forward. . .As recent reports confirm, we must build and support First Nation education systems with stable funding. This is something that must happen."

The motion, put forward by the NDP and supported by all Parliamentarians declares that all First Nation children have an equal right to high quality culturally-relevant education. It also commits Parliament to providing the necessary financial and policy supports for First Nations education systems on par with non-reserve provincial schools and working collaboratively with First Nations and other jurisdictions to ensure implementation.

Federal NDP leader Nycole Turmel said her party will carry on the fight for fairness for First Nations: "I am so proud to celebrate with First Nations leaders and with Shannen Koostachin's family as we take a significant step towards fulfilling her powerful and inspiring dream. And I commit to every First Nations child that New Democrats will work tirelessly to ensure the government delivers on its commitment.