Aboriginal education in need of attention

In the ongoing efforts to strengthen Canadian Aboriginal people's education, the Canadian Education Association (CEA) has associated with Dr. Shauneen Pete, the vice-president of First Nations University of Canada.
The CEA was founded in 1891 and its mandate is to put forth optimal education practices through a process of research and dialogue with many levels of knowledgeable intellectuals.
By attaching Pete to the organization, it helps ensure that Aboriginal peoples' education is recognized and approached in a culturally sensitive manner. With the recent rash of First Nations education marches throughout Canada, the timing is impeccable.
The First Nations University of Canada was established in 1971 to assist Aboriginal people in completing their education in a system alternate to mainstream education programs.
Pete is lauded for her efforts in education for Aboriginal peoples with her regimen of hard work, organization, and stick-to-it-ness. She brings to the table 20 years of experience in education.
"I'm really humbled by my nomination and the recognition of my contributions to Aboriginal education," said Pete in an interview with the Leader-Post in Regina.
With education levels being lower than the average Canadian juxtaposed with the dropout rate being much higher than the average Canadian, Pete's task is nothing less than a daunting one. Pete noted that although academic knowledge is paramount, knowledge of the communities must go hand in hand.
"(Pete) has a strong understanding of Aboriginal education," said Penny Milton, the CEO of the CEA, in an interview with the Leader-Post. "Not only what it is now, but what it should be."
Milton also added that although Pete is a strong asset to the organization, she is not expected to one-handedly address First Nation education needs.