THUNDER BAY— First Nation education professionals will gather in Thunder Bay this week to provide recommendations, attend presentations and panel discussions that will address one of the Chiefs of Ontario’s top priorities: the education of First Nations children.
Chiefs of Ontario will host an Education Symposium in Thunder Bay titled “Neegahnee daa (Let’s walk together): Charting Our Own Path Forward.” The Symposium takes place November 17 to 19 and is intended for a target audience that includes chiefs, councillors and education professionals involved in the formal and informal lifelong education of First Nation learners.
“This Education Symposium provides an opportunity for those working in First Nations education in Ontario to come together and provide input and develop recommendations to leadership on preferred First Nations education systems and frameworks,” said Grand Chief Gordon Peters of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) and Chiefs of Ontario Education Portfolio holder. “We have been working hard on this initiative for several years. Now is the time for us to transform our education systems and make solid strides for our children.”
Visionary leaders in education will provide daily insight and food for thought for First Nation participants at the gathering as they deliberate on the best way forward. The event includes presentations, panel discussions and focus group sessions to foster the spirit of networking and brainstorming for options and solutions. The event will be live streamed and recorded for anyone interested in catching all or some of this exciting event.
“This is an historic new point for First Nations in Ontario to truly begin controlling the delivery of education to our people,” said Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day. “With the Political Accord in place with Ontario, and with a new Liberal government that promises to honour nation-to-nation relationships, we are locking in our commitments to working with the government in addressing one of our top priorities—the education of our children.”
Keynote speakers include the Right Honourable Paul Martin, Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner Wilton Littlechild, Order of Ontario recipient Dolores Wawia along with many other knowledgeable professionals. There will also be a trade market with over 22 educational resource booths and craft vendors.
