/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - National Forum in Calgary to Discuss Innovation in First Nations Education/

CALGARY, Feb. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - First Nation Directors of Education will gather this week at a National Forum convened by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) on the traditional territory of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Calgary, Alberta. The Forum, being held March 1 & 2, will bring together First Nation Directors of Education from across the country along with experts and government representatives to examine issues and innovative new models that will close the gap in K-12 and post-secondary education for First Nations students.

First Nation control of First Nation education is a priority and a central component of reconciliation. Delegates at the Forum will gather under the banner "Leading Educational Change: Restoring Balance." Delegates will discuss the full spectrum of education, from Early Learning and Learning from Place; Cultural Identity and Well-being; Elementary and Secondary Learning; Post-Secondary Learning; and Culture, Language, Ceremonies, and Life Learning.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will open the conference with an address beginning at approximately 8:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 1.  The Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, will speak at approximately 9:05 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1. Leroy Little Bear, a longtime advocate of First Nations education, and Chief Wilton Littlechild will speak about cultural identity and well-being on Wednesday March 1. On March 2, Senator Murray Sinclair will speak about the importance of culture, language, and ceremonies for holistic learning.  Other speakers include Roberta Jamieson, Dr. Mark S. Dockstator, President, First Nations University of Canada, and Dr. Lorna Williams. All sessions will be held at the Grey Eagle Resort.

A detailed agenda is available on the AFN website at:
http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/17-02-01_-_afn_education_national_forum_-_provisional_agenda_-_march_2017.pdf

Media can register in advance by emailing the AFN contact listed below, and can register on-site.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates #AFNEducation

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-292-0857 or [email protected]