AFN To Push Strahl For Firm Education Commitment

AFN To Push Strahl For Firm Education Commitment

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 13:05

An Assembly of First Nations regional chief from Quebec wants education to be a priority for Indian Affairs.

At a special AFN assembly in Ottawa earlier this month, Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl said he wants to engage in talks with First Nations on the subject.

But Chief Gilbert Whiteduck says there has to be a firm commitment — and not more committees.

Whiteduck says it remains to be seen how Strahl’s pledge is going to be translated into “action on the ground”, instead of being left in the hands of bureaucrats.

He is suggesting that First Nations groups like the AFN and Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations push Strahl to appoint a senior official in his office to oversee this file, so that it won’t be “buried under bureaucracy”.

Whiteduck adds an outdated funding formula has cost First Nations years of post-secondary graduates.