Chief Lindsay Marshall, Chair, and Marjorie Gould, Executive Director, recently attended a gathering that was called by AFN to discuss an action plan to deal with the specific of the Auditor General’s Report.  The report alerted the nation to gaps related to Aboriginal elementary and secondary education.  Among the many issues raised by the report, were:

4.1 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cannot demonstrate that it meets its stated objective to assist First Nations students living on reserves in achieving their educational needs and aspirations.  For example, the Department does not have the necessary assurance that First Nations students are receiving culturally appropriate education.  Moreover, the progress in closing the education gap for Indian students living on reserves has been unacceptably slow.  At the current rate of progress, it will take over 20 years for them to reach parity in academic achievement with other Canadians.

Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, many Native delegates, and most national and regional representatives of DIAND were in attendance.  The fact that all of the major stakeholders were gathered together created the opportunity for a meaningful exchange and dialogue.  There was much discussion about “visioning,” creating a vision for Aboriginal education in Canada.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 1st, 2000 at 11:21 am and is filed under General.