First Nations Education Act

First Nations Education Act is proposed federal legislation regarding Indigenous education.

In Anishinabek News

• May 2013: The proposed act was the subject of regional consultation meetings in 2013 that were met with protests in Thunder Bay. Critics argued the act was drafted without proper consultation and would undermine treaty rights to education. The Chiefs of Ontario pledged to oppose any activity related to the development and imposition of this legislation.
• October 2013: The federal government expected to introduce the First Nations Education Act in the fall of 2013. Patrick Madahbee argued that this act would contradict the Residential School apology and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• October 2013: The proposed act was described by Patrick Madahbee as a colonial document that focuses on control and financial accountability rather than educational equality. Critics argued the act would allow the federal government to place First Nation schools under third-party management if they fail to meet certain standards. The legislation was criticized for failing to consult with First Nation citizens, parents, and students in a meaningful way.
• November 2013: The Nishnawbe Aski Nation leadership formally rejected the imposition of this act in November 2013. Delegates at a Thunder Bay summit argued that education should be governed by inherent rights instead of this legislation.
• November 2013: The Anishinabek Nation leadership condemned this legislation as an unwelcome intrusion into their jurisdiction in 2013. As of November 2013, the plan was criticized for providing thousands of dollars less in funding for students in First Nations schools compared to those in provincial schools.
• December 2013: The Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in Assembly voted to vehemently reject the imposition of this bill by Canada. Quinn Meawasige compared the proposed act to the residential school system.
• January 2014: The act was criticized for attempting to impose provincial education systems on First Nation children. It was described as an unwelcome intrusion into the inherent jurisdiction of the Anishinabek Nation. The legislation would allow the Minister of Indian Affairs to place schools under third-party management.
• April 2014: The First Nations Education Act was rejected by Anishinabek Nation youth who argued it was not their system. The federal government added a component regarding First Nations control to the act following pressure from Indigenous youth.