MCK supports but does not sign AFNQL resolution on First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act legal action

02/19/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform Kahnawa’kehró:non that it supports but did not sign an Assembly of First Nations of Quebec & Labrador (AFNQL) resolution regarding its planned legal action against the proposed First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act (FNCFNEA).

The AFNQL is submitting a request for judicial review before the Federal Court, to prevent the federal government from going ahead with its proposed legislation.

“While we support the plan in principle, we are concerned that the resolution that the First Nations Education Council required to join the legal action does not have the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure that the communities give final direction,” said Education Portfolio Chief Rhonda Kirby, who attended last night’s AFNQL meeting.

“Also, the MCK is concerned with the potential outcome that, if the action fails and results in a decision that isn’t favorable, it could confirm the activities that the Federal government considers as ‘consultations’ and make them binding. That would be totally unacceptable.”

The MCK will update the Kahnawà:ke Education Working Group on this matter in the immediate future, and discuss the community’s position and possible actions.