National Chief responds to Aboriginal Affairs Committee’s Report on Post-Secondary Education

OTTAWA, Feb. 16 – There is an urgent need to increase financial support for both First Nations’ students and First Nations controlled institutions in Canada, according to a report released this week by the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development entitled “No Higher Priority – Aboriginal Post-secondary Education in Canada”.

“I am very pleased that this Parliamentary committee calls for the removal of the 2 % cap for post-secondary education, and recognizes the importance for First Nations controlled post-secondary institutions,” said National Chief Phil Fontaine. “The federal government must provide necessary financial support and ensure recognition of First Nations’ institutions.” The report recommends that the federal government take immediate action to provide adequate funding to every eligible student based on actual costs and acknowledged “a failure to invest in the future of First Nations and Inuit learners now would also undoubtedly entail immeasurable long-term costs”.

The Assembly of First Nations applauds the timely release of this report, in advance of the federal budget, because the AFN has for many years clearly articulated the urgent needs for First Nations students and First Nations controlled institutions to no avail.

“We have a young and growing population who need full access to all levels of education,” said the National Chief. “We want our children to be able to have the opportunity to make significant contributions to their communities, and to Canada.”

The report concludes that “the successes of Aboriginal-controlled institutions should be acknowledged by government, supported and built upon. In our view, government’s objective should be to put in place measures that strengthen and promote the long-term viability of these key institutions for the future of Aboriginal post-secondary education”.

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

For further information: Bryan Hendry, A/Director of Communications, (613) 241-6789 ext. 229 or cell.: (613) 293-6106; Nancy Pine, Communications Advisor, Office of the National Chief, (613) 241-6789 ext. 243 or (613) 298-6382, npine@afn.ca