The aboriginal affairs minister on First Nations schools
By John Geddes - Tuesday, January 29, 2013 - 0 Comments
Today in Question Period, Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan fielded questions on the consultation he’s launched into education in First Nations communities.
Duncan also discussed that subject briefly earlier this month in an interview with Maclean’s for this story. As the education file gains prominence, here are his answers, edited and condensed, on some key points up for debate:
Q Isn’t funding for First Nations education just too low?
A Because First Nations schools are in small, remote communities they require a higher per student expenditure to be at an equivalent level.
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Ottawa and First Nations negotiate truce on education talks
By The Canadian Press - Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 8:21 PM - 0 Comments
OTTAWA – The federal government has reached a deal with First Nations to get…
OTTAWA – The federal government has reached a deal with First Nations to get its education initiative back on track.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo issued separate statements on Thursday night outlining their new agreement.
Previous talks collapsed this fall because First Nations said they were not included as equal partners in designing legislation, and because federal documents suggested that funding was sufficient.
With the new outline, Duncan commits to “intensive” consultations and to explore ways to ensure stable and sufficient funding.
Since fewer than half of First Nations children graduate from high school, both sides were facing criticism for allowing politics to interfere with students’ future.
