The Canadian government is proposing to set and enforce standards of education for First Nations people living on reserves. It would also take temporary control of any school that failed to make the grade by appointing an outside official to manage it.
Leading up to the tabling of this new legislation, aboriginal leaders warned the government to not exert too much control over First Nations. Reserves and their schools are run by their own band councils with funding provided by the federal government.
Sub-standard education linked to poverty
The government believes substandard schooling and academic performance have played a significant part in the poverty rampant in aboriginal populations.
Aboriginal leaders say they have not been consulted in the drafting of this new law, nor has any new money been offered to help them raise the standards of education.
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