Work begins for the Anishinabek Education System
AES OFFICE –Nipissing First Nation (April 4, 2018) – The Anishinabek Education System start-up activities officially started April 1.
“April 1 was the effective date of the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement and the Master Education Agreement. These agreements are the foundation to a new relationship and the recognition of Anishinabek control over education on-reserve from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, as well as administrative control over funding for post-secondary education,” said Catherine Pawis, Chair of the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB).
A key focus for the KEB is ensuring the youth voice is included in the collective priorities.
“The youth of our 23 Participating First Nations have made it very clear what they want for their future and for generations to come,” said Kelly Crawford, Director of Education, KEB. “A return to our language, culture and traditional ways of knowing. To be successful in any path they choose and to have solid relationships with community and Elders. The Anishinabek Education System will set the bar high for our students by providing quality education based on Anishinaabe standards. The KEB will work collaboratively with our 23 Participating First Nations to develop a system that meet the needs and priorities of all our students.”
The executive of the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body board include Catherine Pawis (Chair), Lisa Michano (Co-Chair), Lauri Hoeg (Treasurer) and Evelyn Ball (Secretary). The KEB board at large includes Elaine Stewart, David Shawanda, Janice Cada, Judy Desmoulin, Marianna Couchie, Nichole King, Vicki Ware and Jeanne Naponse. The Kinoomaadziwin Education Body (KEB) is a not-for-profit corporation that the Anishinabek First Nations approved by Grand Council Resolution in 2010. The KEB has a 12-member Board of Directors that is comprised of representatives from the four Anishinabek Regional Education Councils. The KEB will support Participating First Nations (PFN) in their delivery of education programs and services. The KEB will liaise with the Province of Ontario on education matters when the Anishinabek Education System is operational.