The federal government’s proposed legislation to reform First Nations education fails the people, argues Ontario’s First Nation leaders.
Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy expects much of the discussion throughout the annual winter Chiefs of Ontario assembly to focus on the federal government’s proposed First Nation Education Act.
The proposed legislation has been rejected by First Nations groups across the country, and Beardy said it is important for the 133 chiefs of Ontario to unite and speak out against the act.
“It’s important that we come together and have debate on the various issues and at the end of our debate come up with a common vision, common goal and common objectives,” he said.
The three-day conference began on Tuesday at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre. Fort William First Nation chief Georjann Morriseau said it’s important to consider the ramifications any legislation can have on those affected.
The assembly heard from a speaker in the morning denouncing the federal government’s approach to the issue.
“We need to hear the reality,” Morriseau said.
“We can’t just focus on the legislative language and impacts. We have to hear the real, true hard impacts within our communities and how legislation can make or break a community or people, whether it be individually or holistically.”
Meanwhile, Beardy added that the chiefs needed to identify and develop a plan to address issues surrounding justice, health, natural resources and economic partnerships.
“This is to talk about our priorities and the challenges we’re facing as First Nations people in regards to the actions of various governments, the federal and provincial,” Beardy said.
The opening day of the assembly falls on the same day that Morriseau is having Crown consultations regarding the Horizon Wind project.
As a fairly new chief, she explained the assembly is a valuable opportunity to network and receive advice from those that have been through a similar process.
“We’re all here to work collectively and push the mandates of our communities forward,” Morriseau said.
“These are the types of venues you come to and I look to a lot of the chiefs in our assembly and communities that have the expertise to provide insight into some of the discussions we have going forward. Sometimes we call on our local communities for that type of support.”
The session will conclude Thursday, and addressing the group on the final day will be Assembly of First Nations national chief Shawn Atleo.
