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Doug Cuthand: Native education reform bill being rushed through





Doug Cuthand says the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations must move quickly to oppose the controversial First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act:
In the process, Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo is looking increasingly isolated. His decision to support the legislation is meeting with a growing opposition from regional chiefs and their supporters.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt is not making it any easier for Atleo either by telling the chiefs in a recent statement to get onside with the AFN and support the bill.

This was the kiss of death for Atleo. With friends like Valcourt, who needs enemies? Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde has voiced concern, and his recommendation to oppose the legislation will be taken to the FSIN education commission and the chiefs in assembly that will be held May 21 and 22.

This action by the FSIN could well be too late. The bill is being pushed through Parliament with little regard to any opposition from the client group.

The FSIN executive must take the bull by the horns and become a

Get the Story:
Doug Cuthand: FSIN must soon join lobby against education act (The Saskatoon StarPhoenix 5/2)

Related Stories:
First Nations leaders and activists battle education reform bill (4/30)
Shawn Atleo: First Nations gain control over educational system (04/14)

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