The FSIN Calls For Urban First Nation School Divisions

Friday, 04 December 2009 00:00

(Saskatoon, SK)  FSIN Vice Chief Delbert Wapass is calling for the creation of a First Nation separate school division and or urban school. Vice Chief Wapass points to recommendations by a panel of experts in Winnipeg suggesting that a First Nation separate school division could cut down on crime. Vice Chief Wapass believes a similar idea would not only reduce crime but would increase First Nation high school graduation rates in Saskatchewan.

 
“We are saying—it is time for us to have the opportunity to advance our educational destiny by designing and implementing an Urban First Nations system that will provide educational opportunity for success,” says Vice Chief Wapass. “The Province has had decade after decade to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, but has not been able to succeed in doing so.”

A First Nations Urban education school system would be based on First Nations values, beliefs and traditions much like other separate school divisions. For example the Catholic School division has an approved and accepted mandate that promotes Catholic beliefs and advances their students through a learning process that is based on Catholic beliefs and values.  Spirituality is an essential component of a Catholic school system, as would be the case in a First Nations school system.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

For More Information Please Contact:
Mervin Brass, Executive Director of Communications   
Direct:   306.956-1026
Cellular: 306.220-7187
Facsimile:  306.665.0115