First Nations Rally on Parliament Hill to Support Fairness and Opportunity
for First Nations Children and Youth

OTTAWA, Sept. 23 /CNW/ - Today, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo gathered with First Nations leaders, Elders, citizens, youth and students to participate in a rally and a cultural celebration on Parliament Hill highlighting the importance of First Nations education and fairness for First Nations students. Together, the leaders are delivering a clear message to all Members of Parliament and to all Canadians on what is needed to close the achievement gap in education.

"We have gathered to unite our voices as one and to call on the Government of Canada to provide First Nations with a guarantee that ensures First Nations students can have a quality, culturally relevant education from early childhood to post-secondary," National Chief Atleo said. "Our call is above all about fairness.  First Nation education funding is the only education funding that has been capped arbitrarily at 2% annually since 1996.  First Nations schools receive no resources for computers, software, libraries, language immersion or support systems. We are calling for resources that address this chronic under-funding and we want to work with the government to create a better system that enables success for our students, a system that is supported, integrated and sustainable. This is in the interests of all Canadians. Closing the achievement gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people will add $179 billion to Canada's GDP by 2026."

Numerous reports and studies have assessed the flaws in the federal approach to education. The Auditor General of Canada has repeatedly urged the federal government to get its house in order and to work collaboratively with First Nations to address education needs, and the Parliamentary Budget Officer has noted the lack of a sound and consistent policy approach by the federal government on First Nation education and infrastructure.  First Nations have repeatedly called on the federal government to work in partnership for a new approach based on our Treaties and Rights that will ensure First Nations youth have educational opportunities in their communities that allow them to realize their full potential and contribute to the nation's economic, cultural and social livelihood.

National Chief Atleo stated: "This National Week of Action on Education is driven by First Nations citizens who want to show support for our youth and share our current reality with all Canadians.  Today, we extend our hands in the spirit of cooperation and constructive engagement. First Nations have set out achievable plans for progress that will ultimately benefit all Canadians. It's time for our historic partner, the Government of Canada, to work with us to bring about real, positive change. We cannot and will not wait while the future of our children, communities and nations hangs in the balance. When we all work together, everyone wins!"

The rally on Parliament Hill also is the culmination of a walk by a group of First Nations citizens and supporters from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (near Maniwaki, Quebec), led by Chief Gilbert Whiteduck, who walked more than 135 kilometers from their community to Ottawa in support of First Nations education.  The rally included participation by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), which represents over 500 000 post secondary students, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents 172,000 workers, and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents over 600,000 workers.

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

For further information:

Don Kelly
A/ Communications Director
Assembly of First Nations
Cell: 613-292-2787
[email protected]

Jenna Young
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
Tel: [phone], Ext. 401
Cell: 613.314.8157
[email protected]

Alain Garon
Bilingual Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
Cell: 613-292-0857
[email protected]