First Nations – Ft McMurray's Homepage

First Nations Aboriginal Leaders Partner Up With Alberta Government for Better Education

A partnership between the Alberta government and the First Nations is intended to help provide a better education to First Nations students. Education Minister Gordon Dirks recently attended the Kingsway Ramada Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre Alberta First Nations Education Summit, and Premier Jim Prentice was also in attendance. The two politicians discussed education with aboriginal leaders from around Alberta. According to Prentice “I think we very quickly reached a consensus in the room that we wish to see a province where First Nations students are getting exactly the same educational opportunities that all Alberta students are getting.” The goal is to determine how the Alberta government can help the school authorities of the First Nations while still respecting the traditional and cultural priorities of the aboriginal groups.

The meeting between members of the Alberta government and the First Nations shows that both sides are willing to make an effort to improve the education of the indigenous population. According to Deron Bilous, an outspoken critic of the Alberta NDP, “Let the governments sort out who owes who. The point is that we cannot continue to have First Nations students and their education be second-class to non-indigenous students in the province.” Charles Weaselhead, the Treaty 7 Grand Chief, said “Right now, in our K-12 systems, the numbers that are graduating are at a low. It’s often been said to us that First Nation education is roughly 12 to 15 years behind mainstream.” Some in the First Nations blame a lack of funding for low graduation rates, others point to a lack of qualified teachers or the scarcity of other necessary resources.

Missing Women March Held by First Nations

Members of the First Nations recently held a march for missing women, some of who have been found murdered since they disappeared. Last Saturday more than 60 people, many who were First Nations or Meti’s but some who were simply supporters, marched in Fort MacMurrayto bring attention to the fact that the federal government has refused to start an inquiry into the numerous Aboriginal women who have either disappeared never to be seen again or who have been murdered. The march started off down Franklin Ave at Borealis Park and ended at Keyano College. According to Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille “The prime minister would rather spend spend money on looking for an expedition lost a hundred years ago.”

Instead of starting an inquiry into the missing women, and into cases where First Nations women who have been murdered, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that he was launching a naval expedition to search for signs of the 1845 Franklin Expedition which was doomed. First Nation Chief Steve Courtoreille responded to the naval expedition announcement by stating “Instead of lashing out in anger, say a prayer for him. Prayers are very powerful. Pray he changes his mind and does the right thing. It’s up to us as First Nations people and at the grassroots to put the pressure on the prime minister.” Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam commented that “There is already a lot of mistrust from First Nations towards the Harper government. Even if Harper does the right thing eventually, a lot of First Nations will never forgive him because of this delay.”