Canada’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt says a proposed new government bill, the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act, meets the five conditions outlined by the Assembly of First Nations and chiefs during a meeting in December, but not all Indigenous First Nations are welcoming the federal legislation.
“Our Government knows that a good education can change a life—that’s why I am so pleased that we have made reforming First Nations education a priority and introduced the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act,” said Minister Valcourt as he discussed the legislation Thursday (April 10).
Bobby Cameron, a vice chief at the Saskatchewan Federation of Indian Nations (FSIN), said he remains sceptical the legislation will meet the needs of First Nations students, pointing out authority under the proposed bill will remain in the hands of the minister.
At a press conference after the minister’s remarks, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo urged First Nation leaders to analyze the legislation, but did not condemn it.
RCI’s Wojtek Gwiazda has a report.
ListenMore information:
Aboriginal Affairs press release – Bill C-33, First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act Introduced in the House of Commons – here
Global News – FSIN opposed to revamped First Nations education bill – here
Assembly of First Nations press release – First Nations Must Drive Next Steps – here
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