Youth tell Valcourt: ‘This is not consultation’

SASKATOON (November 20, 2013) –   Youth who attended the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Summit told INAC Minister Bernard Valcourt that his First Nations Education Act presentation was in no way, shape or form, consultation.

Elected Anishinabek Nation youth representative, Quinn Meawasige, Serpent River First Nation, said that the youth stood very firm that the FNEA was not for them.

Meawasige said that Valcourt acknowledged the success of some First Nations-driven education systems – like the Mi’kmaw Education System – and yet still thinks the FNEA is what is best for First Nations.

“We are going in circles,” says Meawasige. “First the federal government attempted to assimilate our people by forcing our people to attend residential schools.  They are doing the same thing with the FNEA.  Only we know what’s best for our people.”

Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee congratulated the youth on the work they are doing at the summit.

“I am so proud of our young warriors Quinn and Nathalie,” says Madahbee.  “They took our message of rejecting the FNEA to the summit and presented themselves very well.  We have very strong First Nations youth.”

For a full coverage on yesterday’s meeting with Minister Valcourt at the AFN Youth Summit, please read article below:

Youth cool to proposed education act

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Youth+cool+proposed+education/9191898/story.html