OTTAWA, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo offered his recognition on the official kickoff of the Third Annual We Stand Together Campaign in Support of Aboriginal Education. This initiative brought forward by Free The Children along with the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative and will see students, educators and parents across the country learn about the challenges, achievements and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
"I commend these two organizations for their leadership. A better awareness of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples and the realities facing our communities can go a long way in breaking the many stereotypes that we still encounter in this country," said AFN National Chief Atleo. "First Nations have issued a Call to Action on Education, a call to all Canadians to make education a door to opportunity and success. We will be unrelenting in our advocacy for justice, for hope and for opportunity for our children."
This 10-day campaign (February 25 - March 8, 2013) will see Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller participating on a cross-Canada speaking tour, visiting schools and sharing her story with thousands of students.
"First Nations seek support and understanding from all Canadians in achieving new systems and approaches that will deliver a quality education that values our languages and cultures consistent with our rights, Treaty and our respective responsibilities," said National Chief Atleo. "We have documented the underfunding of First Nations education for many years now, and are calling for fairness and equity to support success and unlock the full potential of our people."
For more information, visit www.freethechildren.com/westandtogether.
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow us on Twitter @AFN_Updates, @AFN_Comms
SOURCE: ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS
Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or [email protected]
Jenna Young AFN Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or [email protected]
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