First Nations education receives failing grade: report

Many would agree that education is the key stepping stone in developing successful people, but if this is so, then why did First Nations education recently get a failing grade in Canada?

In a new report released on Wednesday, the national panel for elementary and secondary education stated that there is no national system of education for Aboriginals, and called for the federal government to develop a body which oversees First Nations education, The Canadian Press reported.

The panel is pushing for the federal government to develop local organization which would act as school boards, and advises the government to put money into it. They are also advising the federal government to turn the right for First Nations to have an education into a written law.

The Canadian Press also reported that Scott Haldane, the group's chairman, said that, “We were struck by the passion and commitment of the young people that we met and all of the people who are committed to First Nations education.

“We recognized, however, that they do not have a system of support. There isn't, in fact, a First Nations education system in Canada. And without that support, it's very difficult for them to achieve the goals that they have for young people and for young people to achieve their full potential.”

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo and Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan appointed the three-person panel last year.

Issues on the First Nations education system arose in January when the report was not ready for a meeting between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and 150 First Nations chiefs.

What do you think the government or First Nations leaders should do to fix their education system? Write them below in the comments area.

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