Band Council Resolutions support Anishinabek Education Agreement

March 4, 2015

Education EagleUOI OFFICES – Henvey Inlet First Nation Chief and Council have passed the first Band Council Resolution approving the initialling of the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement by the Anishinabek Education Negotiator.

And on Feb 26, 2015 – just three days after Henvey Inlet’s approval — Michipicoten First Nation passed a similar Band Council Resolution.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee commends the two communities for their support.

“We applaud Henvey Inlet and Michipicoten Chief and Councils for their foresight in passing the Band Council Resolution approving the initialling of the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement,” says Grand Council Chief Madahbee.   “This is an important step in exercising Anishinabek First Nation jurisdiction and control over education.”

Union of Ontario Indians Restoration of Jurisdiction Director Mike Restoule agrees with Grand Council Chief’s praise.

“We hope that this is just the start of series of resolutions supporting the initialling of the Education Agreement,” says Restoule.

Beginning in September 2014, the Restoration of Jurisdiction staff presented information on the negotiated education arrangements between the Anishinabek First Nations and Canada at five regional meetings and a number of individual First Nation Chief and Council meetings across the Anishinabek territory.  These information sessions provided an overview of the education arrangements supporting recognition of First Nation jurisdiction over primary, elementary and secondary education by Canada and details on the education funding offer from Canada to support First Nation delivery of education programs and services and the establishment and operation of the Anishinabek Education System.

Under the proposed self-government arrangements in education:

  • there is no abrogation or derogation of our Aboriginal and Treaty Rights;
  • there are no restrictions on negotiating treaties or other agreements, including agreements on education;
  • Canada recognizes the Anishinabek Education System and First Nation jurisdiction over Primary, Elementary and Secondary Education;
  • Canada has no role in our Anishinabek Education System;
  • the Anishinabek will create our own education system under Anishinabek education laws;
  • Canada must fund First Nation education at agreed upon funding levels under agreed upon formulas for Students and provide additional funding for education governance and administration;
  • First Nations will define Students under their education law;
  • Canada cannot unilaterally change the education funding levels; First Nations must agree to any changes to education funding; and
  • negotiated annual price and volume adjustors will apply to education funding.

The Anishinabek Nation has been engaged in education self-government negotiations with Canada for over 20 years to secure Canada’s recognition of First Nation jurisdiction.  This year marks the completion of the negotiations with Canada and the start of the First Nation decision-making process on those negotiated arrangements.

“Under this Education Agreement, First Nations are responsible for the delivery of Primary, Elementary and Secondary Education.  The Agreement supports the establishment of the Anishinabek Education System that allows for the Anishinabek First Nations to improve educational outcomes for our students and to impart knowledge and respect for Anishinabek culture, history, spiritual practices and language,” stated Tracey O’Donnell, Anishinabek Nation Education Negotiator.  “A lot of work has gone into the development of the structures and functions of the Anishinabek Education System over the years.  Now is the time for First Nations to decide if they will consider putting the Agreement to a ratification vote.  The BCRs we are seeking are not BCRs to approve the Education Agreement.  The approval will be done at a later date through a ratification vote where each voting member of each First Nation will have a chance to say “yes” or “no” to the deal with Canada.”

For more information on the negotiated arrangements or to schedule a presentation on the Education Agreement for your First Nation, please contact:

Mike Restoule, Director of Restoration of Jurisdiction

Union of Ontario Indians
705-497-9127