FSIN holds forum on First Nations education

Last week the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations hosted a 3-day conference to discuss how to maximize jobs and PSE opportunities for First Nations youth in the province. A youth panel explored challenges facing PSE students, while another panel identified industry needs. Education leaders shared their vision for First Nations PSE training on another panel. FSIN Vice Chief Simon Bird says practical solutions can help address the Aboriginal unemployment rate. For example, a joint task force of FSIN and the Saskatchewan government recommended that First Nations schools should be able to offer driver's education training like provincial schools. As for the low Aboriginal high school graduation rate, Bird says part of the problem lies in policy cuts, but the major issue is a lack of funding. He thinks funding comparable to the provincial school system would be a great start. Canadian Press | Regina Leader-Post | CKOM