First Nations Education Steering Committee is “deeply disappointed” on First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act

The First Nations Education Steering Committee
is “deeply disappointed” that Bill C-33, the so-called First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act, is an updated version of the October 2013 proposal for legislation that was resoundingly rejected by First Nations. Tyrone McNeil, president of FNESC, said “Bill C-33 will effectively displace our BC First Nations Education System that First Nations have spent the past two decades building. Our system is comprehensive, accountable and includes standards designed by First Nations for our 130 schools.” Bill C-33 does not sufficiently accommodate regional diversity or protect the system, reads a press release from FNESC. BC chiefs, through resolutions, formally called for the October proposal to be set aside and for a new one be co-developed with First Nations on a government-to-government basis consistent with their inherent rights. “The government has not responded to concerns and recommendations put forward by BC First Nations through many submissions over the past several months,” McNeil said. “Not once did the government come to First Nations in BC to meaningfully discuss how to address our needs. Instead, the process was closed and lacked transparency.” Contrary to First Nations control over the education of their children, the Bill would create a new Joint Council of Education Professionals to be appointed by Ottawa to advise the minister, reads a press release from FNESC. Bill C-33 outlines an extensive list of regulations to be developed that will prescribe in detail how First Nations schools can operate, according to minimum standards set by Canada. “Canada committed to a robust engagement process to co-develop regulations,” said McNeil. “However, regulations will be approved by the minister, with advice from his Joint Council. This council will provide opportunities for First Nations to ‘make representations’ to it on regulations. This is not co- development of the regulations.” Greg Louie, president of the BC First Nations Schools Association said the Bill raises serious challenges. “It mandates costly administrative procedures and will detract from focusing resources on classrooms. We are not prepared to sacrifice our hard work and achievements in BC in First Nations education.” FNESC believes government wishes to pass the Bill before summer. FNESC will examine the Bill in detail and bring First Nations together to determine next steps.