Our Children Our Future Our Vision - People for Education

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Our Children, Our Future, Our Vision 10. New Agenda Report on Information/Discussion Sessions By Julia Candlish, COO Education Coordinator Background First Nations education has been a priority for the Chiefs of Ontario for decades and First Nation leadership in Ontario value education as a means to achieving self-determination and redressing the negative impacts of colonial practices. In 2000 the Chiefs in Assembly instituted the establishment of the Ontario Education Coordination Unit. Since then the Unit has been engaged in identifying the educational needs of First Nations in Ontario and recommending ways to meet these lifelong learning requirements. As the Chiefs in Ontario respond to changing federal and provincial political environments they provide mandates to the Education Unit as necessary to ensure First Nations in Ontario can chart their own path towards a First Nations education system that has a solid foundation based on First Nations inherent and Treaty rights to education. Activities related to the objective of charting a First Nations path forward in education has led to many activities that continuously build on previous accomplishments. In 2004 a comprehensive compendium of education matters was created as a means of providing a foundation for change in First Nations education. The resulting document, The New Agenda: A Manifesto for First Nations Education in Ontario continues to inform and support this ongoing process. The Strategic Planning and Policy Forum held in May 2010 gathered First Nations educators, administrators, and leaders in education to build on the Manifesto and provide further direction forward. The Policy Forum clearly indicated the importance of addressing issues related to funding and control as a means to improving First Nations education in Ontario. These previous activities prompted a recent All Chiefs resolution requesting the creation of a “made-in-Ontario” report (Report) that focuses efforts on understanding resourcing constraints and issues of control as a means of addressing longstanding issues and improving education outcomes for First Nations learners. Just as the Manifesto provided a foundation for change, and the Policy Forum identified broad and overarching concerns, the Report will serve to consolidate information and provide a catalyst for action. The New Agenda Working Group (NAWG) was formed and tasked to produce a “made-in-Ontario” report to the National Chief and the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. The real value in the report is understood to reside in its ability to launch First Nations in Ontario into the action phase of the path that was begun over a decade ago. The New Agenda Working Group includes representatives from the Chiefs of Ontario Education Coordination Unit and those Tribal Councils involved in the delivery of second level services related to education. Upon review of the mandate received the NAWG designed a work plan to ensure the report would include an analysis of previous recommendations to encourage building on what has 81 Chiefs of Ontario
Our Children, Our Future, Our Vision previously been identified by various education experts. It was also decided that there should be various avenues available for First Nations individuals, communities and organizations to provide their views and input first-hand into the Report. Several avenues were designed to receive this input, a survey tool, a process for written submissions, and the opportunity was provided for face-to-face information discussion sessions. The New Agenda Information/Discussion Sessions Four New Agenda information/discussion sessions were held and were attended by education directors, teachers, principals, education administrators, Chiefs and Councillors. 1. London, August 24, 2011 2. Toronto, September 28, 2011 3. Sudbury, October 6, 2011 4. Thunder Bay, October 27, 2011 New Agenda information information/discussion sessions were intended to provide information to attendees regarding the New Agenda Process (the process of creating the Report) as well as afford an opportunity for those present to provide input into the final report. These New Agenda information/discussion sessions included an overview presentation that included the background leading up to the process, how the process was being undertaken, and a description of the various opportunities to provide input. Those in attendance were asked to participate in an interactive activity to address the following six questions: 1. How would you suggest the federal government improve the way they uphold First Nations Rights to education? 2. What would make the First Nation education system here in Ontario function more effectively? 3. What are the barriers to achieving a superior education system for First Nations in Ontario / in your community? 4. Given the realities in Ontario / your community, what works best, and doesn’t work well in education? 5. What would best support a quality education system that would serve the needs of the First Nation learners in Ontario / in your community? 6. How do you think the federal government could improve the current approach to legislation directly affecting First Nations in Canada? Chiefs of Ontario 82
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Our Children Our Future Our Vision - People for Education

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