Social Policy in Ontario

Why underfund? [1st Nations Schools]

Posted on February 10, 2012 in Education Debates

Source: Globe & Mail — Authors: Dwayne Lasas

TheGlobeandMail.com – news/commentary/letters-to-the-editor
Published Friday, Feb. 10, 2012.   Dwayne Lasas

I am a parent of two children attending the Waweyekisik Education Centre located on the Waterhen Lake First Nation in northern Saskatchewan (Reserve School Can’t Pay Teachers – Feb. 4) and a proud member of this Cree Nation. I am actively involved in my children’s education and have been in this school on numerous occasions, meeting many of these teachers. I am concerned about the funding dilemma facing the school’s principal.

I can attest to the fact that the quality and dedication of the teachers at this school have made a difference in the success of the students and their attitude toward education. Unless Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada increases funding to match the wage increases of provincial teachers, First Nation schools will not be able to afford or retain quality teachers.

If education is a means to alleviate dependency, poverty and social issues, then why does the government continue to underfund education on reserves such as Waterhen Lake? I urge the Prime Minister to make the financial resources available so Waweyekisik can continue its success with students.

Dwayne Lasas, vice-chief, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Meadow Lake, Sask.

< http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/letters-to-the-editor/feb-10-letters-to-the-editor/article2332981/ >

Tags: budget, Indigenous, participation, standard of living, youth

This entry was posted on Friday, February 10th, 2012 at 11:09 am and is filed under Education Debates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.