Letter to the Honourable John Duncan, M.P.

November 28, 2012

Honourable John Duncan, P.C., M.P.
Minister, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Dear Minister Duncan:

As the Chair of the AFN Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE) and the AFN Portfolio holder for Education, I am communicating our position on key issues in First Nations education listed below. It has been 40 years since the release of Indian Control of Indian Education (ICIE, 1972).  Since then hundreds of reports have been released outlining issues and recommendations in First Nations education without any substantive changes to how our children our educated.  The reforms that are required must meet First Nations needs rather than only the interests of the federal government.

The current legislative framework does not provide the funding guarantees First Nations require in education, and there have been no assurances that new legislation will address the historic gaps, and the urgent and long-term funding needs of First Nations schools and education systems. A change in the law is not required for the federal government to provide sustainable and equitable funding for our children, schools, and systems.  Media releases, rather than joint dialogue, distort the facts on funding and serve to delay dealing with the critical needs which exist.

Although there has been a long and difficult journey behind us that we all know too well - the road forward does not need to be the same.     

Numerous reports by the Auditor General of Canada recommend that the Department work with First Nations to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy and action plan, with targets, to close the education gap, and to report progress back to Parliament and to First Nations on a timely basis.

Our belief is that we can establish a respectful and equitable working relationship between our parties to address our mutual priorities and work constructively through the areas of disagreement to implement the recommendations of the Auditor General.

We are prepared to roll up our sleeves to address these matters.   The National Chief has often been quoted as saying that the status quo is unacceptable and that the process of change must begin immediately.

We await your response and commitment to make changes that we can all embrace that will ensure a positive outcome and vision for our children.

We look forward to engaging in this challenging work through constructive dialogue as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Regional Chief Morley Googoo,
Chair, AFN Chiefs Committee on Education and
AFN Portfolio for Education


cc.

AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
CCOE
First Nations Chiefs