THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose provided encouraging words today to the hundreds of students gathered at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay protesting chronic underfunding of post-secondary education by both the federal and provincial governments.
“Post-secondary education is the key to the future success and self-sufficiency of First Nations individuals and communities in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory,” said Waboose. “Ensuring accessibility to post-secondary education for First Nations students will be a positive benefit for all of Canada. To invest in a student is an investment in Canada. With opportunities for employment continuing to grow in the NAN territory, I see the need for a skilled and educated labour force.”
Aboriginal students are calling on the federal government to honour the Treaty rights guaranteed to Aboriginal students to access post-secondary education. Despite rising tuition fees in many provinces, the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) has been capped at 2 percent growth since 1996. This has prevented tens of thousands of Aboriginal students from attending college or university.
photo by Gary Musson
Thanks to Michael Snoblen for the help.