National Chief Atleo Marks New School Opening in Esgenoopetitj First Nation
November 7, 2012
(Ottawa, ON) –Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo was at Esgenoopetitj First Nation (NB) today to participate in the opening of the Esgenoopetitj School.
“I want to congratulate all the community members, parents, students and leaders of this community who worked so hard to see their vision of a new school become a reality,” National Chief Atleo said. “First Nations across the country have set education as a key priority, founded on our right to First Nations control of First Nations education. Community leadership is key to our success. Today, the people of Esgenoopetitj First Nation begin a new chapter in taking control of education for their youth and community.”
The National Chief stated: “This new school shows that First Nations are making great strides in education. We have won the advocacy effort for a new approach to education. We know unilaterally imposed solutions do not work. Our task now is to support every Nation and every Treaty area to define and design the approaches that will work based on their needs, their communities and their traditions. First Nations must drive this process. At the national level, the Chiefs Committee on Education is working together to advance the principles required to achieve this transformation. We will only achieve success when we engage our people, our communities, families and parents to ensure support for new systems that deliver quality education including our languages and cultures. The new school we are celebrating here today is a testament to the reality that this is the right approach and it achieves results.”
"Today marks a special occasion for the community of Esgenoopetitj," said AFN Regional Chief Roger Augustine. "It demonstrates the incredible resilience of our First Nations citizens and dedication to our future generations. There is no question that it is a day to celebrate the strength and bright future for all of our First Nations communities."
The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter at @AFN_Updates @AFN_Comms.
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Contact information:
Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or e-mail jyoung@afn.ca
Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca
