The First Nations Education Council is proud to announce that it has set up a project which involves organizing “paperless” meetings. On March 10-11, the FNEC held its first paperless work session, where approximately 20 participants all made use of laptop computers instead of hard copy. The FNEC environmental awareness is what has led it to develop a way of holding meetings, which makes it possible to significantly reduce its use of paper.
At the beginning of the work session, training was held to explain to participants how to follow a paperless meeting. All documents needed for the session were digitized and assembled in a single file, meaning participants could follow on their laptops and add notes directly onto the computer. In addition, they could return home with their documents and their notes on a USB key.
We would like to thank all participants, who kindly agreed to follow us in this new adventure. We also thank our personnel, who turned this first event into a genuine success.” explained Lise Bastien, Director of the FNEC.
At each meeting, the FNEC will make adjustments to constantly improve, leading to this method being used 100 % in a year from now. In addition, the FNEC invites other First Nations organizations to follow in going green to save the environment and, at the same time, preserve the well-being of the generations to come.
The FNEC is a not-for-profit organization that defends the interests of the First Nations in the field of education. To obtain more information on the organization, we invite you to visit our Web site at www.cepn-fnec.com.
On February 26, 2008, on the occasion of the presentation of its budget, the federal government announced an amount of $70 million over two years for First Nations. This amount is only designated for two uses, the improvement of accountability and integration with provincial systems.
Therefore, rather than adequately funding, and beginning to correct, as an matter of urgency, the chronic underfunding of the First Nations education system, the government proposes integration with provincial schools. The consequences of such a measure can only contribute to further damaging our school systems, to reducing the number of students in our schools, to the loss of the use of the mother tongue and assimilation into the dominant society. This is totally unacceptable, bearing in mind that First Nations have been fighting for the takeover of their education for years.
It is essential that First Nations students have access to a quality education and to adapted programs and services in their community. All the First Nations/INAC Joint Working Groups have come to this conclusion and it is now up to the federal government to deliver the goods.
This video expresses a reality that is in danger of getting even worse over the coming years if nothing is done to counter the plans of this government.
Smart Board Interactive Whiteboard certified master trainers in FNEC last update: 2008/03/06
The FNEC is proud to announce it has five new Smart Board Interactive Whiteboard certified master trainers in the Province of Québec, in collaboration with the SchoolNet Program. Prior to the FNEC masters’ training there were only two trainers available in the province of Quebec.
The five new certified master trainers will provide quality support to the 100% Smart Project created by the FNEC. The objective of the 100% Smart Project is to provide FNEC member communities and their schools, a very valuable interactive learning tool. Each classroom is equipped with a Smart Board at a lower cost including onsite training.
The trainers’ names are;
Tim Whiteduck
Barbara Gravel
Normand Généreux
Nicolas Ottawa
Pierre Jalbert
Should you require training or information on this innovative technology, please do not hesitate to contact us.
PRESS RELEASE
THE FNEC AND THE AFNQL ASSESS
THE 2008 FEDERAL BUDGET last update: 2008/02/29
The First Nations Education Council has used the occasion of the announcement of the 2008 budget to condemn the Canadian government for breaking its commitments in First Nations education right across the board.
The National Aboriginal Role Model Program is seeking nominations of young Aboriginal role models for its 2008–09 program. The National Aboriginal Role Model Program provides an opportunity for Aboriginal youth to be recognized for their achievements, leadership and innovation.
Role models may be First Nations, Inuit or Métis youth between the ages of 13 and 30 years old.
Aboriginal youth can nominate their role model by filling out the nomination form. The nomination form asks you to identify various attributes that fit your role model.
Nomination deadline is 11:59 PM EST on Friday, March 28, 2008.
The National Aboriginal Role Model Program celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth aged 13 to 30. “Lead Your Way!” inspires Aboriginal youth to strive to reach their goals.
Each year, 12 Aboriginal role models are nominated by their peers. They are selected for their achievements, leadership and innovation. Throughout the year, the role models will attend celebrations, school functions, workshops and conferences to share their stories with other Aboriginal youth.
Lead Your Way! is hosted by the National Aboriginal Health Organization and funded by Health Canada.
The National Aboriginal Role Model Program aims to:
Promote healthy lifestyles and self-esteem among Aboriginal Peoples.
Strengthen Aboriginal identity.
Create positive public images of Aboriginal Peoples.
Facilitate availability of Aboriginal Role Models to Aboriginal youth and communities.
Influence behaviours and attitudes of Aboriginal youth toward healthy lifestyles.
Signature of Memorandum of Understanding between First Nations Education Council and Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport last update: 2007/12/10
The First Nations Education Council and the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to set up a working group designed to examine the challenges that exist for both parties in the education of First Nations children in Quebec schools.
The signature of the MOU was held on December 6, 2007 at the Musée de la Civilisation in Quebec City, and was followed by a press conference.
You can view the speeches that were made during the press conference by Lise Bastien, Ghislain Picard, Benoît Pelletier, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, and Michelle Courchesne, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports. (In French only)
You can also click on the following link to view the official press release that was written by the FNEC to underline the importance of this event.
The Issue Table is scheduled to start its deliberations at the end of January 2008.
