Background
In 2012, the Government of Canada announced its commitment to work with “willing partners” to introduce a First Nation Education Act by September 2014.
First Nations across Canada have expressed significant concerns about the federal government’s rapid advancement of its national legislation initiative. For example, First Nations have indicated that the timelines for the efforts are too limited, and plans for engagement with First Nations regarding new legislation are unclear and inappropriate.
Meetings have about the legislation have taken place on February 4, 2013 and March 8, 2013 in Vancouver. First Nations leadership and participants in those gatherings agreed that a strong First Nations Education System already exists in BC. Given the existence of the strong infrastructure for the BC First Nations Education System, which has been formally affirmed by First Nations in BC, FNESC and the First Nations Schools Association have expressed concerns regarding the proposed new national legislation.
Template Letters
Template School letter re NEL
Template Student Letter
Template Parent Letter
Key Resources
FNESC and FNSA Paper on NEL for March 8th Session
Analysis of Legislation Discussion Guide
AANDC Discussion Guide about the Legislation
Backgrounder: Proposed National First Nations Education Legislation
Backgrounder: BC First Nations Education System