AFN Launches National Week of Action on Education with First Nations Advocacy
Day on Parliament Hill

OTTAWA, Sept. 21 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck and national AFN youth representative Kluane Adamek announced a week of nation-wide advocacy efforts in support of action on First Nations education during a press conference on Parliament Hill today. 

"First Nations across Canada have said clearly that improving First Nations education is a key priority. It is central to our drive to take greater control over our lives and communities and will make a stronger Canada for all Canadians," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.  "This week we are demonstrating that First Nations are ready to move on Prime Minister Harper's promise to renew and reform First Nations education.  We extend our hands as a willing partner in progress and change because the time for action is now. We will not wait while the future of our children, communities and nations is at stake. First Nations have a strategy to achieve success setout in our Call to Action on First Nations Education.  Our message is simple.  Every First Nation child must have a guarantee to quality education.  This means support for First Nations education through fair and equitable funding and First Nations control of First Nations education."

On September 19th about 100 Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community members, students, Elders and other supporters, including National Chief Atleo, kicked off an "education awareness" walk from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (near Maniwaki, Quebec)  to Ottawa. 

"Quality First Nation education is the key to unlocking the full potential of First Nations citizens; Giving life to First Nations rights is the key to unlocking the full potential of First Nations communities and nations; We are seeking justice and fairness for all of our First Nation learners," said Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Chief Gilbert W. Whiteduck, a long-time advocate for quality and equitably funded education who is supporting his community's efforts in raising awareness of the need for fair and equitable opportunities for First Nations. "Our education awareness walk signals the tremendous importance of education to First Nations in Kitigan Zibi and across the country as well as the importance for all stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take the necessary sustainable actions."

This Thursday, the Kitigan Zibi walkers will arrive in Ottawa and be joined by students, leaders and supporters from First Nation communities across Canada at Victoria Island.  National Chief Atleo, Chief Whiteduck and members of the National Executive of AFN, along with many supporters, will then lead the walk from Victoria Island to Parliament Hill.  The full group will gather at Parliament Hill at 1:00 p.m. for speeches and a special cultural celebration in support of First Nations education. 

"September is a month focused on 'back to school', but so many First Nation children and youth don't even have a school to go to," said national AFN youth council representative Kluane Adamek - a recent graduate of Carleton University.  "We are the youngest and fastest growing segment of Canada's population. We are literally the future of this country and Canada must invest in its own future. I am fortunate to have had the support to pursue a post-secondary education, however I fear that our future generations will not have those same opportunities or support. Being a Southern Tutchone woman from the north, I have recently had the opportunity to take language classes so that I will be able to be fluent in my language and pass it on to my own family and children.   Our education system as it stands now, is not set up to allow First Nation students to obtain their full potential.  We need to give all First Nations children the same opportunities and guarantees to achieve success as other people in Canada."  

Today's press conference coincides with a full day event of planned meetings between First Nation leadership and parliamentarians on Parliament Hill today. 

"The time is now to work together for a better future for First Nations and Canada.  First Nations are setting out achievable plans for progress that will benefit all Canadians and we call on our historic partner, the Government of Canada, to work with us to bring about real, positive change in our lifetime," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.

For more information on these and other advocacy events taking place this week in support of First Nations education visit www.afn.ca/NWAE.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. 

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For further information:

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer at 613-314-8157 or [email protected]