FN citizens living in the Orillia area urged to come to education meeting on Wednesday

sayyessidetileUOI OFFICES (June 20, 2016) –  All Anishinabek citizens who live in the Orillia and Barrie area are encouraged to come out to an information session about the Anishinabek Education System on Wednesday evening.

People from Chippewas of Rama, Beausoleil, Aamjiwnaang, Alderville, Pikwakanagan, Curve Lake, Georgina Island, Kettle & Stony Point, Scugog and Munsee-Delaware living in the Sudbury area are all encouraged to learn more about the proposed Anishinabek Nation education agreement and the upcoming community vote happening November 28-December 2, 2016.

WHAT:       Regional Education Information Session

WHO:         Presenter Tracey O’Donnell , Anishinabek Nation negotiator

WHERE:    Rama Community Centre, Chippewas of Rama First Nation

WHEN:     Wednesday, June 22, 2016 from 5-8pm (light refreshments being served)

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says it’s important for our people to learn more about the proposed agreement and Anishinabek Education System.

“It is important to be informed and show up to vote – or mail in your ballot when the time comes,” says Grand Council Chief Madahbee.  “I really hope we don’t lose the opportunity for Anishinaabe education and Anishinabek control of education because of lack of interest.  I urge you to get involved.  This is for our children.”

Information about the proposed agreement with Canada, fiscal arrangements and the Anishinabek Education System can be found at www.sayyestoaes.ca

The recognition by Canada of the Anishinabek First Nations’ jurisdiction over primary, elementary and secondary education, and the funding to operate the Anishinabek Education System (AES), a stand-alone, parallel, education system, makes up the proposed education self-government agreement with Canada.

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.