Roberta Jamieson: Equal education key for First Nations future

Monday, January 21, 2013  

'Historic grievances and current inequities are fuelling a growing climate of frustration and conflict. The ill-informed or "fringe" elements of our society are quick to invoke stereotypes, and dismiss the issues as having no merit or worse. For those who understand and work to address these issues every day as I do, it is easy to be frustrated.

But I am more convinced than ever that we must find a way forward. We must address the issues resulting from our shared history and provide indigenous peoples with the opportunity to make their individual contributions to their own communities and to Canada.

It is important to provide effective mechanisms to resolve historic grievances and create partnerships for the future.

However, we must not wait to take action to address the often sad state of circumstances in indigenous communities, notably in education. We cannot let another generation of youth be excluded from full participation in a modern and well-funded education system, or condemn them to a future of social assistance."

Get the Story:
Roberta Jamieson: Roberta Jamieson: Education equality the key to First Nations future (CBC 1/18)