MASKWACÎS, TREATY 6 TERRITORY, May 15, 2018  – On Friday, May 18, 2018,  the four Maskwacîs Cree Nations will host a public ceremony to celebrate the signing of a landmark First Nations education agreement with the Government of Canada.

The Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission Resource and Development Agreement—which includes signatories from the Chiefs of each of the four Maskwacîs Cree Nations and Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Services—marks the official transition of true local control of education to Maskwacîs Cree.

Speakers and guests will include:

• Ermineskin Cree Nation Chief Craig Makinaw
• Louis Bull Tribe Chief Irvin Bull
• Montana First Nation Chief Leonard Standingontheroad
• Samson Cree Nation Chief Vernon Saddleback
• Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Services Jane Philpott
• Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde
• Treaty 6 Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild

The Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission will coordinate the day’s events, which will include a pipe ceremony, signing of official documents, opening and closing remarks, and a community dinner open to Maskwacîs community members. A photo opportunity will be available after the signing.

WHAT:  The Maskwacîs Education Agreement signing ceremony

WHEN:  Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11:00AM

WHERE: Bear Park, Maskwacîs, AB (Google Map) | 52°50’31.1″N 113°27’28.3″W

ABOUT MESC
Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission (MESC) is the new education authority for all 11 schools and two Head Start programs in Maskwacîs. The primary goal of MESC is improving educational opportunities, services and student success for all students who attend our schools in Maskwacîs.

For further information: FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Whitney Brown, Communications Specialist, whitneybrown@maskwacised.ca, 778.834.9286; Ashley Dennehy, Communications Coordinator, ashleydennehy@maskwacised.ca, 780.585.3333