OTTAWA – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo received the final report of the National Panel on First Nations elementary and secondary education. The National Panel began its work in June 2011 with a mandate, as an independent body, to provide recommendations to both the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and the Assembly of First Nations to improve First Nations elementary and secondary education.
“I thank the members of the Panel for their effort and acknowledge the tight timeframe for this work to be completed. First Nations set education as a priority and have consistently advocated for sustainable, equitable First Nations education systems that put our children first,” said National Chief Atleo. “I am encouraged that this report acknowledges the urgency as well as the need to build First Nation education systems that respect First Nation rights and responsibilities. Now every First Nation leader and educator must have the opportunity to reflect on their own path forward.”
“We have also received important submissions from regional organizations, First Nations as well as the recent Senate Committee report on First Nations education. All of this work is critical and reinforces the point that the time to act and to move forward is now,” concluded National Chief Atleo.
This report is now available to all First Nations leaders, educators and students to review and to consider.
Working closely with the Chiefs Committee on Education and national technical advisory bodies, the Assembly of First Nations will confirm immediate plans for a possible video conference as well as policy forum to engage broadly on next steps and recommendations. The role of the Assembly of First Nations will be to continue to facilitate this dialogue and to help create the space and momentum so that every First Nation can decide on appropriate and effective next steps to fully support their students to achieve success.