The FSIN Calls On Premier Wall To Help Pressure Ottawa March 23, 2012

(Saskatoon, SK) Vice Chief Simon Bird welcomes and appreciates Premier Brad Wall's support for equitable funding for First Nations schools. Continued pressure on the federal government by the province on this important issue will be required to ensure a break through on comparable funding.  If required Vice Chief Bird will extend an invitation to Premier Wall to join him in pressuring Ottawa for adequate funding for First Nations schools

With the benefit of comparable funding for First Nations schools our students can achieve success and improve their lives. An educated First Nations population builds stronger nations and benefits society as a whole. Vice Chief Bird states, "Proper investment for all levels of First Nations education in Saskatchewan will eliminate the need to recruit workers from other countries".

As education on First Nations is a federal responsibility, it is up to the federal government to back up the promises made to Chiefs in Ottawa. "INAC needs to step up to the plate with the required funding for First Nations schools" says Vice Chief Bird. "The upcoming federal budget must address equitable funding to show that First Nations education is indeed a priority".

The Joint FSIN/Provincial Task Force on Education, that will have formal announcement on Monday March 26th at the FSIN Youth Assembly, will find positive ways for First Nations and the province to work together for the benefit of our children.

"The provincial budget offers nothing new for First Nations education", says Vice Chief Bird. However, with the release of the new education funding formula, it will be possible to calculate exactly what it costs to educate a child in the provincial school system. For First Nations students attending schools on reserve, it follows that similar costs would be incurred. The provincial funding base, plus additional funding to support First Nations languages and culture education would create a new funding formula that would well-serve First Nations schools.

The FSIN Education and Training Secretariat advocates for the 74 First Nations on Education issues in order to honour the spirit and intent of Treaty. The Education and Training Secretariat also advocates the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty Right to Education that was made more than a century ago. Life-long learning is our Treaty Vision.

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