Post-secondary education is the key to the future success – NAN Deputy Grand Chief Waboose

442

LU Day of ActionTHUNDER 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.

Previous articleSix Indigenous youth ambassadors will meet with United Nations Committee
Next articleConstance Lake NAPS Officers Execute Drug Warrant
NNL Staff
NetNewsledger.com or NNL offers news, information, opinions and positive ideas for Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northwestern Ontario and the world. NNL covers a large region of Ontario, but are also widely read around the country and the world. To reach us by email: newsroom@netnewsledger.com Reach the Newsroom: (807) 355-1862