NIIGAN GA-ZHAAMIN: Moving Forward Together

NIIGAN GA-ZHAAMIN: Moving Forward Together

The Restoration of Jurisdiction Department at the Union of Ontario Indians has been in negotiation with Canada since 1995 regarding jurisdiction over education. The negotiations for the Education Agreement are now entering an exciting new stage as we move towards ratification.

Five First Nations have signed Band Council Resolutions. Dokis First Nation, Henvey Inlet First Nation, Michipicoten First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation, and Sheshegwaning First Nation have all shown their support for the initialing and ratification of the Anishinabek Education Agreement. The ROJ department will be continuing with information sessions on the Anishinabek Education Agreement in April 2015 in order to keep the momentum moving forward to gain further support from the Anishinabek First Nations.

First Nations authority over First Nations education is essential for the promotion and implementation of culturally appropriate education that will nurture Anishinaabe student success. A love of learning will be cultivated by integrating the Anishinaabe culture, language and history into the Anishinabek Education System. In the video, Anishinaabe Kinomaadswin Nongo, Anishinaabe Pane!, Anishinabek Education Negotiator Tracey O’Donnell states “We know that this education system that we’ve developed is truly an Anishinabek education system. It wasn’t something that was designed or based on the provincial public education system. It was designed by the Anishinabek for the Anishinabek”

The ROJ Department is committed to enhancing the quality of education by creating a positive environment for learning that builds Anishinabek student confidence and success. We look forward to working with the Anishinabek First Nations to advance Anishinabek jurisdiction over Anishinabek education.

This video can be seen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGEMMhj2Wfs