Chiefs vote to reject education bill

The First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act (FNCFNEA) has been rejected  by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in a resolution passed at a Special Chiefs Assembly last week. The AFN had previously supported the bill under the leadership of Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, but when he resigned in May the bill was put on hold. “Canada must withdraw Bill C-33 and engage in an honourable process with First Nations that recognizes and supports regional and local diversity leading to true First Nation jurisdiction of education based on our responsibilities and inherent Aboriginal and Treaty rights,” said a statement issued by the chiefs. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt’s office responded to the resolution, repeating that the legislation would not go forward without the support of the AFN and that no new funding would be invested without “real education reforms.” Valcourt stated, however, that the bill remains on hold while he considers his options and he has indicated he does not plan to go back to “square 1”. CBC (1) | CBC (2) | APTN News | Anishnabek News | Globe and Mail