PAGC First Nations plan to develop own education acts
The 12 First Nations of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) each plan to develop their own education acts, aiming to better reflect the culture and needs of the First Nations.
The acts will recognize First Nations culture, language, academic achievement, First Nations jurisdiction over education, as well as the treaty right to education, PAGC Grand Chief Ron Michel said on Thursday morning.
“Through the development of our own education act[s], we are asserting our indigenous right and authority over our children’s education, not only for this generation, but for generations to come,” he said.
Michel made the announcement at the Sturgeon Lake Complex in Prince Albert. It comes ahead of the mid-October resumption of Parliament, where Michel said Ottawa plans to move ahead with drafting fresh legislation for a new First Nations Education Act. The PAGC hopes to have the acts ready before Parliament resumes.