Round-Table Discussion on Aboriginal Ed

Aboriginal education in the Far North and in major centres in Northwestern Ontario was in the spotlight in Rat Portage First Nation yesterday.
The National Panel on Aboriginal Education met with various First Nation and School Board officials.
Jack McMaster is the Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board and says the Feds need to bridge the gap between primary and secondary learning.
McMaster says students living on reserves need to have a smooth transition when attending High School in Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Kenora.
He adds programming concerns were also raised as two Whitefish Bay First Nation students were worried about the availability of extra-curricular activities.
McMaster notes one concern echoed throughout discussions.
Several attendees stressed Federal schools are financed $3,000-$4,500 less per-pupil less than Provincial schools.
They note that in-balance makes it very difficult to attract teachers.
The 3-member panel will visit 6 other locations in Canada and will submit a final list of recommendations to National Chief Shawn Alteo and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.