Historical Master Education Framework Agreement signed by Anishinabek and Ontario

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, Nov. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Anishinabek First Nations and Ontario have signed an historical Master Education Framework Agreement on November 19.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee and Ontario Minister of Education Liz Sandals met today with youth, Directors of the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body and Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in Sault Ste. Marie to sign the agreement. 

The signing of the Master Education Framework Agreement is an historic event, evidencing the commitment of the Province of Ontario and the Anishinabek First Nations to negotiate the terms of a new arrangement to support First Nation students' education in Anishinabek First Nation schools and provincial schools. The proposed Master Education Agreement will open doors to new opportunities for partnerships in education at the local and provincial level.

"The signing of the Master Education Framework Agreement with the Province enhances our respectful relationship with each other," says Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.  "The Anishinabek First Nations are rapidly moving towards establishing our own education system that will strengthen educational opportunities and achievement of our students and in the end, our communities. This Framework Agreement complements the education arrangements that the Anishinabek Nation negotiated with the federal government.  These agreements support the establishment of the Anishinabek Education System."

Education Minister Liz Sandals says, "We are committed to achieving excellence in education for all students. The Master Education Framework Agreement helps set new goals for the future and reaffirms our government's commitment to ongoing collaboration to support Anishinabek First Nations students."

The Master Education Framework Agreement is intended to establish practical arrangements for ongoing collaboration on strategies to promote Anishinaabe student success and well-being; support transitions between First Nations' schools and Ontario schools; and assist the Anishinabek Education System to provide high quality, Anishinaabe educational programs and services in First Nations' schools.

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

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SOURCE Union of Ontario Indians

Marci Becking, Communications Officer, Phone: [phone] ext. 2290, Email : [email protected], www.anishinabek.ca, www.anishinabeknews.ca