MCK applaud Skawenniio Barnes for letter regarding First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act

03/31/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform the community that Chief & Council applaud Skawenní:io Barnes in her effort to support Kahnawà:ke’s position against the proposed First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act (originally introduced as the ‘First Nations Education Act’).

In a 17-page letter to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada dated 28 March, 2014, Ms. Barnes offers a general response to the Act, specific points of contention, and a list of recommendations in the matter.

“Canada should abandon its current legislative proposal and, instead, initiate a new process…by working collaboratively with First Nations in designing and implementing a consultation process and policy acceptable to First Nations that respects their jurisdictional control,” she states in the letter, which she signed with six other community members.

“It is extremely important that individuals take action, not just institutions and organizations,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “We commend Skawenní:io for taking the initiative to articulate her concerns and suggestions. She has managed to provide additional clarity and logic to the community’s position, and to the reasons why the Act wouldn’t work in Kahnawà:ke.”

“We hope others will be inspired by her hard work, passion and sense of duty to the community,” he concluded.

The letter is available for viewing in its entirety at www.kahnawake.com.