Complete Restructuring of First Nations Education in Canada

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

December 7th, 2011
The Canadian Senate's Committee on Aboriginal Peoples has called for a complete restructuring of First Nations education.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/75051891/Reforming-First-Nations-Education

First Nations education is in crisis, but money alone
won't fix the problems says Senate report

Ottawa – First Nations education is in crisis and requires a complete overhaul, says the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples in its latest report, entitled: Reforming First Nations Education: From Crisis to Hope.

Unlike schools everywhere else in Canada, First Nations schools on reserves operate in isolation and without any of the critical education supports that a 21st century modern system of education requires. With as many as 7 out of 10 children not graduating from high school, it is an education model that is ineffective, outdated and that is failing First Nations children.

The report calls for a First Nations Education Act to provide for the establishment and legal recognition of First Nations educational authorities that are accountable, first and foremost, to parents and community members and that are able to enter into contractual arrangements with provincial and territorial school systems for critical education services.

"First Nations kids do not get an education that is comparable to their non-First Nation neighbours who live a kilometer down the road. But more money alone won't fix the problem, says Senator Gerry St. Germain, P.C., chair of the committee. Everywhere else, we have school boards, ministries of education, education acts. We need to get beyond the 518 individually-run, band-operated schools and create a First Nations system of education that can support those schools to deliver a high quality on- reserve education."

In addition to structural change, the report calls for First Nations education financing reform. Statutory funding, based on key cost drivers, is needed, concludes the report, to replace the current system of annual contribution payments First Nations receive from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. The current formula, last updated in 1996, does not include money for libraries, computer or technology labs, athletic facilities and capital costs. The result is that First Nations are going into significant debt or cannot deliver basic educational services that are taken for granted elsewhere.

"Among the most difficult testimony presented to this committee is that, right now, across this country, there are uncounted numbers of First Nations children and youth who are receiving an education vastly unequal to their non-First Nations neighbours. Alarming drop-out rates and poor academic performance continue to compromise the future of many First Nations youth," says Senator Lillian Dyck, deputy chair of the committee. "In some instances, we heard that children will attend schools that are crumbling, infested with black mould or that are situated on contaminated land. Most of these children will learn from textbooks that neither reflect who they are or speak to them of who they can become. In time, some will be lost to themselves, to their families and communities, and to this country."

The report acknowledges that the process of renewal and reform of First Nations education will undoubtedly be challenging, but the willingness and commitment from all parties to undertake reform is there. The time is now upon us to act boldly, says the report, to replace an antiquated system of education with a modern system, fostering real hope for the future.

READ THE FULL REPORT:
REFORMING FIRST NATIONS EDUCATION: FROM CRISIS TO HOPE
http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Commi ... ec11-e.pdf

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Assembly of First Nations Welcomes
the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples Report
on First Nations Education as Transformative and Progressive

OTTAWA, Dec. 8, 2011

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo today welcomed the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples report titled: Reforming First Nations Education: From Crisis to Hope:

"This is an important contribution by the Senate committee to our Call to Action on First Nations education. They have acknowledged that "fundamental, systemic change is required to replace an antiquated system of isolated and improperly resourced First Nations schools with the necessary organizational infrastructure needed for a 21st Century school system," National Chief Atleo added." We are pleased that the committee also noted "The time to act is now. We must seize on the growing momentum and consensus on the need for reform."

We must also remember that First Nations inherent and treaty rights to education are paramount. The UN Declaration compels us to work in partnership and respect to give life to our inherent Indigenous rights and Treaties.

"We know we need an education system that values our language and culture, supported by curriculum development, teacher training and facilities that provide our learners with the tools they need. We need an education system that truly reflects our original relationship with the Crown," said National Chief Atleo.

The Senate report states: "The federal role...should be one of enabling First Nations to create and to adopt viable education systems, while acknowledging that primary responsibility for education rests with First Nations."

"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. This report calls for immediate change and implementation by working with First Nations. We continue to believe that 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," concluded National Chief Atleo.

Key recommendations of the report include:

That the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, in collaboration with First Nations organizations and the Assembly of First Nations, take immediate steps to develop a Canada-First Nations Action Plan for education reform; and that the joint action plan include a process to ensure that First Nations are able to opt into a First Nations Education Act within agreed-upon timelines.
That a task force, jointly appointed by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and the Assembly of First Nations, be established to oversee and monitor progress related to First Nations educational reform; and that the task force report annually, for the next five years, to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and to the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

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

For further information:

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