Priorities

To compel the federal government to adopt a new funding formula for First Nations schools to put an end to their chronic underfunding.

• The underfunding in First Nations schools is (awareness-building campaign, FNEC position paper, etc.).
• This situation has persisted for years and has rendered First Nations schools less competitive.
• It results an exodus of students comparable to a forced integration; there is an urgent need to remedy the situation.
• This reality is in contradiction to the mission of the FNEC. Civil society is becoming more and more aware of this problem.
• Premiers and provincial ministers have made declarations acknowledging this state of affairs.
• The FNEC has developed a new funding formula which is more up-to-date and more adequate.
• In special general assembly, the Chiefs supported the initiative to have a new funding formula adopted.
• An organization from Ontario (NAN) has joined the FNEC's initiative.

To promote the funding of second-level services for the implementation of a more comprehensive education system under the full jurisdiction of First Nations.

• Regional organizations, like the FNEC which, provide second-level services of support in education are neither officially recognized nor funded.
• The non-funding of regional organizations entails recourse to the province for access to support services for schools which otherwise could have been served by these organizations.
• This reality is in contradiction to the mission FNEC's.
• Following an extensive consultation with its member communities and validation by its representatives, the FNEC drafted a five-year plan for the implementation of a more comprehensive education system.
• No funding has been announced to remedy this situation.
• In special general assembly, the Chiefs supported the initiative to implement a more comprehensive First Nations education system under the jurisdiction of First Nations.