Arcand attacks education plan

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A rally to protest new government policies over post-secondary education is to take place at the Alexander reserve in August.

The resolution was made after Edmonton Task Force leader Adele Arcand made a blistering attack on the new government policy which dictates that Treaty Indian students will only be funded for a maximum of 40 months, approximately ten semesters of university education.

Students wishing to return to university to study for their masters or doctorate degrees will be effectively precluded from doing so as these degrees usually take an additional two to three years after the receipt of a bachelor of arts degree.

During an impassioned address to delegates on the second day of the three-day annual assembly, Arcand urged the often divided Indian nations to join together to fight the new policy.

"If we don't unite, we are going to lose the battle. If we lose education, we are doomed. Until we nationally unite together in a joint effort the government will continue to defeat us," she says.

Chief Allan Paul of the Alexander band joined Arcand's plea for unity and offered his reserve as the rallying ground for the protest.

"We have to unite as Indian people," he urged. "These people of Alexander are taking a great risk, but we can't go any further, we have to do something and that's why we are here to get support and to address this national problem," he says.

Arcand joined Paul's statements and added that the Association should immediately undertake a media blitz to inform the non-Native population of the new cut-backs.

"We need to inform all our people that education is the key to self-determination. We must use the media effectively because Ottawa's all but locked the door. They are not listening to us."

Arcand explained that many students are now unable to finish their final year of university and that many new high school graduates will not be permitted to enter university.

The Association's Education Task Force was formed in October 1986 shortly after the announcement of the education cut-backs was made by the Department. However, since its formation, Arcand reports that the government has steadfastly refused to meet with members of the task force.

"A telex was sent to the minister regarding our concerns and a request for a moritorium on changes until the task force completes its study. To my knowledge no reply has been received to date,"

Arcand has also met with Regional Director Dennis Wallace with no result and requests for funding for workshops and conferences has also been turned down.

After further discussion a vote on the proposed symposium and rally was taken and passed unanimously. The date has been tentatively set for August 3, 4 and 5 at the Alexander Reserve north of Edmonton.