First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act a misnomer says MCK

02/10/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform the community that Chief & Council maintain serious concerns regarding the agreement between the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations to proceed with the final drafting and introduction of the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act (formerly the First Nations Education Act, or FNEA).

“Indian control of Indian education was paramount in setting fundamental principles in Our Peoples’ education systems,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “Coining legislation First Nations Control of First Nations Education without adhering to full jurisdictional control is an insult and injustice to our people who fought for control of our own education. With this legislation, First Nations’ jurisdictional control and self-determination are actually being diminished.”

The MCK has been firm in its opposition to the FNEA as a political body and as a partner in the Kahnawà:ke Education Working Group. It remains unimpressed with Harper’s new plan.

The MCK’s legal team presented its Legal Opinion to Chief & Council earlier today. Among the concerns raised are lack of meaningful consultation; gaps in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and post-secondary funding;  gaps in funding commitments for language and culture; and stringent federal oversight.

“We are very supportive of the movement to improve First Nations education but we cannot support flawed and backward-looking legislation,” he concluded. “We will not compromise our rights and jurisdiction.”

More detailed analysis will be passed on to the community as it becomes available.