The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National First Nation Directors of Education Forum will take place on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Nation in Ottawa, Ontario.
Assembly of First Nations
National First Nation Directors of Education
Forum
February 23 - 24, 2016 Delta Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario
knowledge
curriculum
culture
controlgraduates
traditions
diplomalanguages
teachers
lifelong learning
skills
opportunitysuccess
potential
community
experience
abilityschools
progress
goals future
systems technology
capacity
Hosted on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Nation.
Forum Program
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Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 1
Objectives ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
Welcome from National Chief Perry Bellegarde ............................................................................................ 2
Welcome from Regional Chief Bobby Cameron ............................................................................................. 3
Sponsors ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Schedule of Events ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Session Descriptions ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Venue Map ................................................................................................................................................... 15
Introduction The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) welcomes you to the first National First Nation Directors of Education Forum in Ottawa, Ontario. This national event is bringing together more than 500 First Nation Directors of Education, and is an opportunity for critical dialogue on topics such as: language immersion; First Nation education authorities; education standards and assessment practices; improving literacy and numeracy; a new Federal Act for Funding First Nation Education; and a new fiscal framework for First Nation Education.
Objectives The National First Nations Education Forum objectives include:
a) Sharing of successful practices in First Nations Education across Canada. b) Discussing the concept of a First Nations Directors of Education Association. c) Providing a timely opportunity to garner insight and feedback from First Nation Directors of
Education on preferred approaches to closing the education gap, including the need to secure immediate funding for First Nation schools.
The Forum presents an important opportunity for the consolidation of national priorities, leadership recommendations and information sharing on First Nations education. The Forum will include plenary sessions, workshops, networking events, and education sector exhibitors. Delegates will also be provided with plenary presentations and inspiring keynote presentations.
Welcome to the National First Nation Directors of Education Forum, we wish you an enjoyable and
successful Forum!
The Assembly of First Nations sincerely thanks the Algonquin Nation for hosting the National First Nation
Directors of Education Forum on their traditional lands.
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Welcome from National Chief Perry Bellegarde
Dear Delegates,
On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I am pleased to welcome
you to the first-ever AFN National First Nation Directors of Education
Forum held on traditional and unceded Algonquin territory. The
conference will provide an opportunity for attendees to explore and
discuss issues relating to education, and collectively generate
solutions to overcome the challenges faced by First Nations learners,
educators, principals, and Directors of Education. The results of this
Forum will begin the necessary changes to ensure that all First
Nations learners have access to high-quality and culturally-relevant
education.
Education is imperative to the success of our children, and providing a
safe, welcoming, and culturally-based learning environment that
stimulates learning, creativity, and cultural expression is essential. The Forum will cover a wide range of
topics from experienced panelists and workshop leaders. From early learning to post-secondary
education, and professional qualifications for educators to supporting assessment of standards and
strong school governance, the needs of our communities will be discussed and innovative solutions
proposed.
By learning from the successes of the forum speakers, we will be able to envision solutions to the
challenges faced by our communities. As delegates of this historic event, you have made a commitment
to learning about and discussing the many opportunities for First Nations education in Canada, and as
leaders of education in your communities, you are responsible for taking the results of the Forum and
beginning the necessary changes in your communities. Please take the opportunity to share your
experiences, connect with other delegates, and develop partnerships during our time here in Ottawa
that will support your efforts to create change. We look forward to seeing the outcomes in the near
future.
Respectfully,
Perry Bellegarde National Chief
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Welcome from Regional Chief Bobby Cameron
Dear Delegates,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the first AFN National First Nation
Directors of Education Forum. We endeavor to generate dialogue on
important issues, provide valuable information, and give examples of
challenges overcome and successes in First Nations education. The
results of these discussions will greatly impact future generations of First
Nations and move forward with our inherent, Treaty and Indigenous
people’s rights to education.
There are many challenges in providing culturally relevant, historically
accurate, and adequate education to First Nations learners, and it is by
learning from the successes of delegates and speakers that we will
overcome these challenges in First Nations education. An education is essential to the success and well-
being of our children as they become the next generation of adults and continue on their paths of
lifelong learning. The dedicated delegates attending this Forum will be the catalyst of change for the
future of students and ensuring that the Inherent, Treaty and Indigenous right to education is honored.
I wish you all a successful forum, and look forward to seeing the changes brought about by the products
of the collaboration, partnerships, workshops, discussions, and keynote speakers over the duration of
this historic event.
Respectfully,
Bobby Cameron AFN Regional Chief, Saskatchewan Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Education Portfolio Holder
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Sponsors The Assembly of First Nations sincerely thanks the following sponsors for their generous donations to support the National First Nation Directors of Education Forum.
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Schedule of Events Time Event Location
Monday, February 22nd
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pre-Registration Lobby
Tuesday, February 23rd —Day 1
7:30 am Registration Lobby
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Welcoming, Opening Ceremony Elder Josée Whiteduck, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Chief Kirby Whiteduck, Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation National Chief Perry Bellegarde AFN Regional Chief Bobby Cameron, Saskatchewan Drum: Eagle River MC: Peter Dinsdale, CEO, Assembly of First Nations
International Ballroom
9:00 am – 9:15 am
Setting the Stage MC: Peter Dinsdale Review goals of the first National First Nations Directors of Education Forum
9:15 am – 9:45 am
Why a National Gathering for First Nation Directors of Education? Former AFN Directors of Education: Jon Thompson, Karihwakeron Tim Thompson, Peter Garrow, and Dr. Paulette Tremblay
9:45 am – 10:15 am
Future of First Nation Control of First Nation Education: Role of Leadership Grand Chief Gordon Peters, Association of Iroquois and Allied Nations Tyrone McNeil, Vice President, Sto:Lo Tribal Council
10:15 am – 10:45 am
Future of First Nation Control of First Nation Education Judge David Arnot, Chief Commissioner, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
10:45 am – 11:00 am
Break
11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Concurrent Workshops—Session 1 Simultaneous French translation available in the International Ballroom and Richelieu Room.
First Nations Education Systems Blackfoot Confederacy Education Consortium Dr. Genevieve Fox and Lenora Rabbit Carrier, Siksika Board of Education; Lisa Crowshoe, Peigan Board of Education; Richard Fox, Kanai Board of Education, AB
International Ballroom
Professional Support and Building Instructional Leadership Merits of Aggregation Ken Okanee, Director of Education, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, SK
Richelieu
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Culture and Language as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning It’s Our Time First Nations Education Toolkit Shannon Payne, Education Advisor, Assembly of First Nations
Frontenac
Promoting Technological Innovations in the Classroom SCcyber E-Learning Community Gaylene Weaselchild, Director of Public Relations, AB
Joliet
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
Lunch— Hearing the Voices of Children, Educators and Communities Sponsored by the Canadian Education Association Ron Canuel, President and CEO, Canadian Education Association Facilitator: Darren Googoo, Director of Education, Membertou, NS
International Ballroom
1:15 pm – 1:30 pm
Future of First Nation Control of First Nation Education Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm
First Nations Post-Secondary Education Dr. Mark S. Dockstator, President, First Nations University of Canada
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Panel of First Nation Community Successes: Theme 1 Darren Googoo, Director of Education Membertou, NS Chief Nathan Matthew, Simpcw First Nation, BC
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Panel of First Nation Community Successes: Theme 2 Ken Okanee, Director of Education, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, SK Davin Dumas, Director of Education, Fisher River Board of Education, MB Jennifer Manitowabi, Director of Education, Lac Seul First Nation, ON
3:15 pm – 3:30 pm
Break
3:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Concurrent Workshops—Session 2 Simultaneous French translation available in the International Ballroom and Richelieu Room.
First Nations Education Systems Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey—Story of Successes and Challenges Eleanor Bernard and John Jerome Paul, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, NS
International Ballroom
Culture and Language as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning Our Children, Our Language Mark Klein, Director of Education,and Allison Lemaigre, Teacher, Clearwater River Dene School, SK
Richelieu
Fostering Parental and Community Engagement Students must see themselves first Jennifer Manitowabi, Director of Education, Lac Seul First Nation, ON
Frontenac
Supporting Assessment and Developing Standards in Education Holistic Approach to Early Years Assessment Jarrett Laughlin, Education Associate, bv02
Joliet
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
An Evening to Celebrate First Nation Directors of Education Reception and networking evening
Panorama Room
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Wednesday, February 24th—Day 2
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Overview and Recommendations of Day 1 MC: Peter Dinsdale
International Ballroom
9:00 am – 9:45 am
First Nations Directors of Education Association Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada Darren McKee, Executive Director, Saskatchewan School Boards Association
9:45 am – 10:30 am
Moving First Nations Education Forward – Part 1 Jon Thompson , Jarrett Laughlin, AFN Facilitators: NIEC Representatives
10:30 am – 10:45 am
Break
10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Concurrent Workshops—Session 3 Simultaneous French translation available in the International Ballroom and Richelieu Room.
Moving First Nations Education Forward Interactive Discussion on AFN Education Workplan and Timeline NIEC Representatives
International Ballroom
Supporting Assessment and Developing Standards in Education Exploring Alternative Methods for Conducting School Reviews Daryl Morrison, First Nations Education Initiative Incorporated, NB
Richelieu
Performance, Measurement, Indicators and Data Preliminary results of the First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education and Employment Survey (FNREEES) Katie Wood & Kyla Marcoux, First Nations Information Governance Centre
Frontenac
Culture and Language as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning Anishinaabe Odziiwin: Cultural Standards, Cultural Practices and Cultural Education– Best Practices Stephanie Roy, Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute, ON
Joliet
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch Sponsored Discussion on First Nations Education
International Ballroom
1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Concurrent Workshops—Session 4 Simultaneous French translation available in the International Ballroom and Richelieu Room.
Professional Support and Building Instructional Leadership MAEI Principals’ Course Dr. Carlana Lindeman, Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative
International Ballroom
Education Systems Governance Supporting Strong First Nations Educational Governance Standards Guide Treena Metallic and Eve Lapointe, First Nations Education Council, QC
Richelieu
Culture and Language as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning Status of First Nations Languages Programs across Canada Jarrett Laughlin, Assembly of First Nations
Frontenac
First Nations Education Systems The BC Tripartite Education Framework Agreement (TEFA) Deborah Jeffrey and Tyrone McNeil, FNESC, BC
Joliet
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2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
Concurrent Workshops—Session 5 Simultaneous French translation available in the International Ballroom and Richelieu Room.
Post-Secondary Education The Significant Role of Indigenous Higher Institutes in First Nations Lifelong Learning Dr. Vivian Ayoungman and Tracey Poitras-Collins, FNAHEC and NAIIHL; Amelia Clark, President, Old Sun Community College; Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet, IAHLA; Delbert Horton
International Ballroom
First Nations Education Systems Manitoba First Nations Education Systems Development and Partnership Transition Initiative Charles Cochrane and Nora Murdock, MFNERC, MB
Richelieu
Legislative and Fiscal Frameworks Treaty 6, 7, 8 Regional Plan Dale Awasis, Sheena Potts, Michelle Provost, AB
Frontenac
First Nations Education Systems Anishinabek Education System Debbie Mayer, Education Director, and Tracey O’Donnell, Education Negotiation Team Member, Kinomaadswin Education Board, ON
Joliet
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Break
3:45 pm – 4:30 pm
Moving First Nations Education Forward – Part 2 Chris Rainer, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada Facilitators: NIEC Representatives
International Ballroom
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm
Summary of Recommendations MC: Peter Dinsdale
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm
Closing Comments National Chief Perry Bellegarde AFN Regional Chief Bobby Cameron, SK Elder Josée Whiteduck, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg
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Session Descriptions Concurrent workshop session descriptions, in order of occurrence:
Session 1:
First Nations Education Systems—Blackfoot Confederacy Education Consortium
Dr. Genevive A. Fox, Lenora Rabbit Carrier, Lisa Crowshoe, and Richard Fox
Overview of the development of the Blackfoot Confederacy Education Authority. Key members of
the planning committee will be invited to share their insights to how this process evolved and its
outcome. Highlights on Education Initiatives will be delivered by members from the Siksika,
Piikani and Kainai Nations.
Culture and Language as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning—It’s Our Time First Nations Education
Toolkit
Shannon Payne, Education Advisor, Assembly of First Nations
This Tool Kit is a dynamic and comprehensive resource for educators, developed in partnership
(MFNERC, ANA, AED, ME&AL, TRCM, AMC, AFN) as the basis for a comprehensive reconciliation
and public education strategy to increase cultural competency and awareness of First Nations
rights, and to engage and motivate First Nations learners transitioning from middle years to high
school. This Tool Kit contains a variety of resources which can be accessed and adapted for
incorporation into school curricula, training programs, community events, or other informational
and educational programs in First Nations as well as non-First Nations contexts.
Professional Support and Building Instructional Leadership—Merits of Aggregation
Ken Okanee, Director of Education, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, SK
The presentation will focus on two components as follows:
1. Preparation for aggregation by developing a pedagogical framework and approach that
supports the professional delivery of a K-12 program.
2. Outlining the principles that need to be met by INAC pertaining to the establishment of an
aggregate governance, management and administrative model supporting the delivery of K-12
programming.
Promoting Technological Innovations in the Classroom—Sccyber E-Learning Community
Gaylene Weaselchild, Director of Public Relations, AB
SCcyber E-Learning Community encompasses traditional First Nation models of education and
technology to educate future leaders. SCcyber E-Learning Community utilizes a holistic education
model that helps students learn the Alberta Curriculum as well as First Nation history, culture and
language with virtual classes. SCcyber offers youth and adult learners the opportunity to
complete their High School education and receive a High School Diploma. Literacy and Numeracy
programs are offered to help students who have been out of school for a length of time. SCcyber
is 100% synchronous and is continually developing programming to meet the needs of the
learners.
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Session 2: First Nations Education Systems—Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey—Story of Successes and Challenges
Eleanor Bernard, Executive Director, and John Jerome Paul, Director of Program Services,
Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, NS
The presentation will consist of an introduction to Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey (MK), including the
mission statement, history, successes and challenges. It will also include some short videos
showing Mi'kmaw immersion classes in action and how one school is incorporating culture and
outdoor activity into their curriculum. There will also be a short slideshow of Learning Through
Play in MK schools.
Supporting Assessment and Developing Standards in Education—Holistic Approach to Early Years
Assessments
Jarrett Laughlin, Education Associate, bv02
Success in the early years is the greatest predictor of a child’s success in school, yet current
assessments often fall short of measuring success in learning from a holistic perspective. Come
experience a live demonstration of an innovative and holistic approach that uses puppets and
iPads to assess oral language and mathematics in the early years. Our holistic approach
reinforces parents as first teachers and provides families and communities with the tools they
need to support their child's learning outside of the classroom. You will learn how educators,
parents and communities can personalize their own assessments that are reflective of the local
contexts and cultures of their students.
Fostering Parental and Community Engagement—Students must see themselves first
Jennifer Manitowabi, Director of Education, Lac Seul First Nation, ON
Beginning with a firm foundation of culturally relevant strategies, educators can encourage
families to engage in the school their child attends and learn with their children. Families may
need gentle guidance and direction and together we can create safe activities that they can
become comfortable with and build upon to help their child succeed in education right from the
start. In Lac Seul First Nation we are striving to provide leadership that empowers our people as
parent member and helps them change patterns in their lifestyle that are not conducive to
connecting and engaging with lifelong learning. We envision and work hard to create an
environment where parents and community members are involved with the education of our
students from birth to adulthood. We are working to eliminate the reality of children who arrive
at school alone and don’t benefit as a family from all the great cultural teachings our community
schools can offer.
Culture and Language as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning—Our Children, Our Language
Mark Klein, Director of Education & Allison Lemaigre, Teacher, Clearwater River Dene School, SK
Over the last ten years, the staff of CRDS have designed and implemented a comprehensive
approach to bilingual education. It serves to promote both oral and written literacy in both the
Denesuline and English languages. It begins with students being immersed in a Dene language
Nest in our Headstart and K4 programs. At the core of our program is the Transitional Immersion
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Model where Dene is the First language of early instruction and English is slowly introduced after
the foundation of the Dene language has been firmly entrenched. Students learn in both
languages from Kindergarten to grade 12. The final piece of our program will be a community
based four year B.Ed program where students will specialize in becoming Dene language
specialists.
Session 3:
Moving First Nations Education Forward—Interactive discussion on AFN Education Workplan and
Timeline
NIEC Representatives
Representatives from AFN’s national education technical group (NIEC) will discuss the draft
national workplan and timeline to support closing the education gap in First Nations education.
Followed by an in-depth discussion by participants focusing on obtaining directions and feedback
on the draft plan.
First Nations Education Systems—Manitoba First Nations Education Systems Development &
Partnership Transition Initiative
Charles Cochrane, Manager, Special Projects & Nora Murdock, Director of System Development,
MFNERC, MB
MFNERC is a service delivery organization which provided supports to the 48 First Nations in
Manitoba with First Nations-controlled schools. The session will provide information on the
systematic approach being used by Manitoba to strengthen First Nations schools and build a
strong education system. The presenters will share information on the development of the
Partnership Transition Initiative (PTI) and the activities involved. The PTI is the on-going initiative
to create an alliance of schools for Manitoba First Nations.
Supporting Assessment and Developing Standards in Education—Exploring Alternative Methods for
Conducting School Reviews
Daryl Morrison, Education Specialist, First Nations Education Initiative Incorporated, NB
Recent processes for conducting school educational reviews have relied on traditional methods
that are often considered to be external, top-down, and too ambitious for principals to make
meaningful change. Moreover, in the province of New Brunswick there is no empirical data to
suggest that school educational reviews have equated to changing educational outcomes for
students in general but for First Nations students in particular. First Nation Education Initiative
Incorporated (FNEII), a Regional Management Organization (RMO) that supports twelve First
Nations communities in New Brunswick, has developed a methodology that reflects self-
assessment and respects the Ownership, Control, Access, Possession (OCAP) principle.
The purpose of this session is to share our approach to school educational reviews as piloted in
three Band-operated schools, discuss the linkages to school improvement planning, and identify
extensions of this process for early years education.
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Culture and Language as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning—Anishinaabe Odziiwin: Cultural
Standards, Cultural Practices and Cultural Education—Best Practices
Stephanie Roy, Executive Director, Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute, ON
This presentation will focus on moving forward with an educational approach by connecting
culture, language and the classroom. Best practices will be shared on Anishinabek Odziiwin
standards, heritage language assessment, immersion implementation and linguistic and cultural
integration into the life long learning systems. The presentation will include research with
Queen's University on Immersion programming implementation for Early Learning Kindergarten.
Session 4:
Culture and Language as a Foundation for Lifelong Learning—Status of First Nations Languages
Programs across Canada
Jarrett Laughlin, Senior Policy Analyst, Assembly of First Nations
The AFN is conducting research on the availability and reach of First Nation language programs
(immersion, bilingual) across schools in Canada. This will be an interactive session that will allow
participants to share their experiences, understandings and successes regarding language
programs in their communities. The results of this session, and the subsequent report, will be
used to inform national policy and direction regarding language programming in First Nation
schools.
First Nations Education Systems—The BC Tripartite Education Framework Agreement (TEFA)
Deborah Jeffrey, Executive Director, and Tyrone McNeil, President, FNESC, BC
This workshop will describe TEFA – a five-year agreement signed by Canada, BC, and FNESC,
which recognizes the capacity of BC First Nations to design an effective and appropriate First
Nations Education System. TEFA’s key elements include:
Funding for First Nation Schools that is more consistent with BC public education funding;
A commitment to consultations and the development of federal and provincial policies and
guidelines more relevant for BC First Nations;
Jointly developed accountability requirements; and
Enhanced resources for collective educational support services to improve achievement rates
of students in First Nations and public schools in BC.
Education Systems Governance—Supporting Strong First Nations Educational Governance
Standards Guide
Treena Metallic, Research and Development Analyst, and Eve Lapointe, Parental and Community
Involvement Counsellor, First Nations Education Council, QC
The Supporting Strong First Nations Education Governance: Standards Guide is an ongoing
initiative intended to strengthen and support First Nations education systems. The standards
were developed by collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams of local experts and representatives
aided by FNEC Staff. The standards serve as a governance framework that member communities
adapt in the development of their local education models. Implementation supports are available
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to all communities. At the heart of this project is the conviction that every First Nations student
deserves access to a quality education system that builds upon and fully respects First Nations
identities, languages, values and traditions.
Professional Support and Building Instructional Leadership—MAEI First Nations Schools Principals’
Course
Dr. Carlana Lindeman, Education Program Director, Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative
With the advice of 13 prominent First Nations academics and educators, the Martin Aboriginal
Education Initiative partnered with the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education at the University
of Toronto to develop a course to meet the needs of principals and vice principals of Band-
operated schools. Carlana will discuss the course content, feedback from the 21 principals who
are currently piloting the course and plans for implementing the course beginning in the 2016-17
school year.
Session 5:
Legislative and Fiscal Frameworks—Treaty 6, 7, 8 Regional Plan
Dale Awasis, Sheena Potts, and Michelle Provost, Treaty 6, 7, 8, AB
In 2010, the Chiefs of Treaty 6, 7 & 8 signed a historic MOU with the Alberta and Federal
governments to improve First Nation student success. The agreement is intended to be a
mechanism to address outstanding education issues in Alberta. As a result, the Chiefs of Treaty 6,
7 & 8 see this as an opportunity to address the long outstanding shortage of funding issue. They
will propose to obtain a statutory funding agreement as result of a thorough comprehensive
funding analysis. The presenters will explain the process and next steps on the journey to address
the inequitable funding issue in Alberta.
Performance Measurement, Indicators and Data—Preliminary Results of the First Nations Regional
Early Childhood, Education and Employment Survey (FNREEES)
Katie Wood, Technical Projects Coordinator and Kyla Marcoux, Statistical Process Coordinator,
FNREES, First Nations Information Governance Centre
The First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education and Employment Survey (FNREEES) is a
unique First Nations-led survey designed to provide a holistic look at First Nations life in Canada
and help fill the data gap that exists in these three critical areas. Initial key national findings from
the FNREEES will be presented to provide a first-look at the survey results which make an
important contribution to the overall knowledge of life in First Nations communities.
Post-Secondary Education—The Significant Role of Indigenous Higher Education Institutes in First
Nations Lifelong Learning
Dr. Vivian Ayoungman, FNAHEC; Tracey Poitras-Collins, NAIIHL; Amelia Clark, President, Old Sun
Community College; Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet, IAHLA; Delbert Horton, Seven Generations
Education Institute; Mark Dockstator, First Nations University of Canada
Representatives from First Nations Colleges/Universities will present on the significance and
uniqueness of their programs and initiatives for the advancement and application of indigenous
knowledge. These institutions conduct research; develop programs and courses; and develop
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resources in various multi-media formats suited to the professional development needs of many
different practitioners at all levels of education (Professional Development, Certificates,
Diplomas, and Degrees). Their work does not only address technical and academic topics but also
the language, culture and history of the indigenous populations in their territories. Each of the
panelists will provide examples of the promising initiatives they have embarked on that involve
not only professionals but community members especially in regards to enhancing indigenous
education systems.
First Nations Education Systems—Anishinabek Education System
Debbie Mayer, Education Director, Mississauga First Nation and Board Member for the
Kinomaadswin Education Body &Tracey O’Donnell, Legal Counsel, Education Negotiation Team
The Anishinabek Education System is a grassroots system developed on behalf of 39 First Nations
in the Province of Ontario. After more than 20 years, a sectoral self-government agreement has
been signed with the Federal Government inclusive of a financial commitment to support this
system. The Anishinabek First Nations are asserting jurisdiction over the Education of our
members. Participating First Nations now have the task of community ratification of the
Anishinabek Education System by November 2016. This presentation will provide an overview of
the Anishinabek Education System and our negotiated arrangements with Canada.
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Venue Map Delta Ottawa City Centre Hotel
101 Lyon St. N. Ottawa, ON K1R 5T9
(on Lyon St. between Queen St. and Albert St.)
