(January 24, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – On the United Nations International Day of Education, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is urging Canada to uphold its commitments to transform the K-12 education system for First Nations students.
“Today, the United Nations International Day of Education, reminds us how important education is for our children, our families, and future of our Nations,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Education is an inherent and Treaty right, but for many First Nations children, that right is not being upheld. Our students are being sent to schools where they face discrimination, overcrowded classrooms, and a system that do does reflect their identities, cultures, or languages. First Nations must have full control over education, supported by long-term, stable funding, so that our children can succeed.”
Last week, the AFN released the K-12 First Nations Education Transformation Costing Analysis Report, which found that most First Nations are receiving just 50% of the funding they need in negotiated Regional Education Agreements (REAs). Since 2019, only 10 REAs have been finalized. Meanwhile, 202 First Nations schools are overcrowded, and the education infrastructure gap continues to grow.
“First Nations have long called for changes to education funding policies to ensure that core funding goes directly to First Nations, education organizations, and schools. This is the only way to ensure First Nations control over our own education systems. Delays in finalizing REAs, combined with insufficient funding, is creating unnecessary barriers for First Nations to achieve full control over their education systems and continues the disparities First Nations students face.
Canada has an obligation to uphold their commitments to First Nations and align its actions with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Our children deserve schools where they can learn in their languages, see their cultures reflected, and feel safe and supported. On the United Nations International Day of Education, we call on Canada to fulfill its commitments to close the education gap and work with us to ensure every First Nations child has the same opportunities as other students in this country,” concluded National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
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Ayman Hammamieh
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