MONTREAL – The Iroquois Caucus announced Thursday that it passed a resolution unanimously rejecting the Harper government’s proposed First Nations Education Act.
The resolution was passed during a two-day meeting of the Caucus, which was attended by elected leaders from seven Iroquois communities: Akwesáhsne, Kahnawà:ke, Kanesatake, Oneida of the Thames, Six Nations of the Grand River, Tyendinaga and Wahta.
“I think it’s time that we control our own destiny,” Akwesáhsne Chief Bill Sunday told Kahnawake Television.
“We’re capable of developing our own education programs.”
READ MORE: Harper unveils retooled First Nations education plan
The federal government unveiled its retooled education plan for First Nations education, which said that it recognizes aboriginal control over schooling.
The plan proposed minimum education standards consistent with provincial standards off-reserve.
It would also require students to meet minimum attendance requirements and teachers to be properly certified.
All the leaders present said that the Iroquois stand as one on this issue.
“We believe in Indigenous education by and for Indigenous people and we have that skill set in our midst,” said Wahta Council Chief Billy Hay.
Representing over 55,000 citizens, the Iroquois Caucus is an independent organization made up of elected council representatives from seven Iroquoian communities in Ontario and Quebec.
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