MCK updates on C-33 Education legislation in Ottawa, Atleo meeting off for now

04/29/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to update the community on a series of meetings held in Ottawa in regard to the contentious First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act (‘C-33’) legislation that was formally introduced into the House of Commons on 10, Onerahtókha/ April.

Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr. and Education Portfolio Chief Rhonda Kirby participated in yesterday’s special chiefs’ assembly organized by the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL). The Quebec and Labrador Chiefs passed a resolution rejecting the C-33 legislation. The resolution also offers a clear reminder that the Assembly of First Nations is not the ‘rights holder’ in regard to the issue and should not be treated as such by the Canadian government. 

Additionally, Grand Chief Delisle participated in a separate, though related, press conference organized by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Secretariat to address strong opposition to C-33 by a growing number of First Nations communities.

Click here to view complete statements from the Chiefs.

Finally, a meeting on this issue between Grand Chief Delisle and Shawn Atleo, the Assembly of First Nations national chief, has been postponed. The meeting, which had been in the works for several weeks, would have taken place this afternoon. Chief Atleo’s office has not indicated when, or if, the meeting will be rescheduled.