Division within Canada鈥檚 First Nations leadership over the Harper government鈥檚 aboriginal education bill has led to Shawn Atleo鈥檚 resignation as national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
So what is the legislation and why has it caused such heated debate?
The education of aboriginal children has long been considered sub-standard in Canada, with graduation rates among the lowest in the country. First Nations youth who do graduate on-reserve often have difficulties obtaining jobs or admission to post-secondary institutions because they are not provided with diplomas or certificates recognizing their accomplishments.
After years of debate over how to best address aboriginal education, Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled Bill C-33, or the First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act, in February, saying the 鈥渓ong overdue鈥� reforms would set quality standards for classrooms on reserves while placing more control in the hands of First Nations themselves.
Among the major tenets of the reforms: aligning education standards with provincial standards off-reserve, proper certification of teachers, and student attendance requirements.
Ottawa would provide funding for core education, which includes language and cultural instruction.
Funding plan
- $1.25 billion in federal funding over three years starting in 2016
- Provision for 4.5 per cent annual funding increase
- $500 million over seven years for infrastructure
- $160 million over four years for implementation
Division
The unveiling of Bill C-33 in February came months after the Conservatives鈥� initial plan aimed at improving education in First Nation communities was flatly rejected by 200 aboriginal leaders 鈥� including Atleo, who demanded that five conditions be met within the framework.
Atleo has publicly supported the revised plan, putting him at odds with some First Nations leaders who say the legislation ignores aboriginal rights and puts too much control in the hands of the federal government.
Just days before Atleo announced his resignation, aboriginal leaders from five provinces held a news conference in Ottawa to announce a plan for demonstrations and rallies in protest of the bill. 鈥淲e鈥檙e prepared to take whatever action (is) necessary to ensure the control is not taken away from us,鈥� Grand Chief Michael Delisle of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake told reporters on April 28.
Opponents also took issue with the AFN negotiating with Ottawa on behalf of First Nations.
Legal action
Other groups opposed to the Conservatives鈥� aboriginal education bill are trying to get the courts involved. In late February, the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador requested a judicial review of the education bill. The group asked that the court prevent the controversial legislation from going ahead without its approval.
Cautious optimism
Members of the opposition parties initially expressed cautious optimism for the revised reform plan. The NDP praised the 4.5 per cent clause, saying it would make it easier for band councils to facilitate education programs, while the Liberals called it a 鈥減ositive step鈥� toward high-quality education in a First-Nations-led school system.
With files from The Canadian Press
