Grand Chief urges First Nations leaders to work collaboratively against C-33

05/15/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke wishes to inform Kahnawa�kehr�:non that Grand Chief Michael Ahr�hron Delisle, Jr. has sent a letter to Chiefs and Councils across Canada urging them to work together in the battle against Canada�s Bill C-33, the proposed First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act.

In the letter, Grand Chief Delisle points out that, �much the media attention has been paid to the �division and discord� among our regions and nations. We must counter this with clear statements that provide real insight into our perspectives, collectively.�

�Considering the upcoming national activities, and the Federal government seeking clarity of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) position regarding the legislation, it is more important than ever that First Nations across the country work openly and collaboratively,� he wrote.

�Although some may be preoccupied with the issues surrounding the leadership of the AFN, or differing regional positions on the legislation, we must focus our energies on the subject at hand: protecting governance and control of our education systems in our territories and regions,� he continued.

The AFN has scheduled a Special Chiefs Assembly for 27, Onerahtohk�:wa/May to strategize on the next steps the national body will take regarding C-33.