First Nations Not Paricipating in Panel: FSIN

First Nations Not Paricipating in Panel: FSIN

Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 14:15

 

 

An FSIN Vice-Chief is saying over 200 First Nations from Saskatchewan, Quebec and Ontario are not participating in meetings with a national panel on education.

 

In a statement, Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish says the panel will reduce the federal government’s responsibility of treaty rights to education.

 

The release goes on to say the panel’s intentions will not respect the First Nations right to control education or take into account the diversity of First Nation’s culture and language.

 

“Unfortunately, the AFN, our own national First Nations organization, is not listening to us, and appear to have been co-opted by the federal government in supporting a process that will only serve to create legislation that weakens our Treaty right to education,” said Vice Chief Whitefish.

 

“At the end of the day, the panel will consult with an unrepresentative group of First Nations across Canada and then influence federal legislation that is not aligned with our belief systems.”

 

The FSIN also says Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec First Nations organizations will present a parallel report to the one being prepared by Aboriginal Affairs and the Assembly of First Nations.

 

However, the Assembly of First Nations is defending its position.

 

The AFN says chiefs from across Canada have given it a

mandate to work with Ottawa to improve the education of children on reserves, less than half of whom finish high school.

 

In letters to the FSIN, National Chief Shawn Atleo says the panel has a broad mandate, but it won’t develop legislation or impact any treaty or aboriginal rights.

 

(with files from The Canadian Press)