Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day Statement on Ministry of Education Announcement on Indigenous Education and Languages

(Toronto, March 9, 2018) “Today Minister Indira Naidoo-Harris recognized the ten year anniversary of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework with the release of their 3^rd Progress Report – Strengthening Our Learning Journey.  Additionally, the Minister announced a $10 million investment over 2 years to promote the revitalization of Indigenous languages.

First Nations in Ontario welcome the announcement and understand that this recognition and investment support the ongoing work in partnership with First Nations to ensure the success of First Nation learners.  Many thanks to the generous and welcoming hospitality of the students and staff of the Eastview Public School in Scarborough for hosting this announcement.

In her remarks Minister Naidoo-Harris referenced the Political Accord between First Nations in Ontario and the province as a foundation for our relationship as partners.  We have made significant strides in our partnership relationship with the province over the last few years and look forward to continue building on our accomplishments and make further changes in education.  This partnership must ensure that our students are achieving educational success without having to change who they are, how they think and what they believe in.

The province has been working in partnership with First Nations through the First Nations Lifelong Learning Table to develop First Nations-led activities related to relationships, curriculum, First Nation languages, information access, accountability and policy development.  The ongoing activities of this Table are crucial to the objective of ensuring the educational success of First Nation learners.

When announcing investments in Indigenous languages Minister Naidoo-Harris acknowledged that this is a start and there is much more work to be done. As First Nations we know there are still many longstanding issues that must be addressed through First Nations-led processes.  The province will realize the most benefit if First Nations have the opportunity to strengthen our capacity to address these challenges on our own and in full partnership with the province where appropriate.”

Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day

-30-

The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and a secretariat for collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Inquiries please contact: Bryan Hendry, Policy and Strategic Communications

Phone: 613-863-1764 E-mail: Bryan.Hendry@coo.org

NT4