Zero consultation by Canada regarding First Nations Education Act

04/10/2014

With today’s First Reading of the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act (‘Education Act’) in Canada’s Parliament, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to reiterate its position regarding the legislation.

This announcement comes after a joint press conference was held earlier today in Kahnawà:ke by the MCK, the Longhouse on 207, and Kahnawà:ke Education Working Group affirming this community’s united position against the imposition of the Education Act.

“As a community, we have been clear that we are strongly opposed to this legislation and the unjust manner in which it has been forced upon First Nations,” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. “When the Education Act was formally announced on February 7th, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt said that it was one of the most comprehensive consultations ever held. I must again be very clear and reveal that there was no consultation held with Kahnawà:ke.”

“Despite our repeated requests to meet with Canada on education, the federal government has not bothered to engage one of the largest and politically active communities on this matter – that is fact,” continued Chief Delisle. “Kahnawà:ke are our own true Rights holders and no other body has a mandate to engage in activities that affect those rights except Kahnawà:ke itself. So if there is a feeling in Ottawa that we’ve had our say in the matter, Ottawa is sadly mistaken. We accept no imposition – period.”

Grand Chief Delisle has been working toward scheduling a meeting with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo on this matter in the near future. Efforts to schedule a meeting directly with Minister Valcourt to discuss education matters continue.