A historic signing between Canada and Nishnawbe Aski Nation giving First Nations more control over their education.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett says the agreement will help aboriginal communities create culturally relevant programs, delivered in their own languages.
“Some of you will want to group up to be teachers, and principals, and being able to fashion an education system that is very different than residential schools.”
Bennett adds the deal will lead to greater First Nations self government.
“That will restore your control and law making authority over education, right from junior kindergarten to Grade 12.”
She notes adds Indigenous children will benefit when grounded further into their own culture.
Bennett also stressed the importance of the agreement.
“I think at these times it’s important to say the colonial one size fits all never worked… we are still seeing the devastating effects of the residential school system.”
The minister hopes more First Nations youth will become teachers of their culture through this deal.
