Letter to First Nation Leadership

July 12, 2013

Dear Chief and Council/Grand Chief/Regional Chief:

I last wrote to you on June 12, 2013, to outline the next steps in the Government's approach to consultations for the development of a First Nation Education Act. Specifically, at the suggestion of a number of First Nation leaders and community members, I committed to sharing with you an annotated outline of the proposed First Nation Education Act, called A Blueprint for Legislation. I am writing today to share that annotated outline with you and to invite your feedback. While we will be making this document available online, I also ask that you share it with parents, educators, students, and others in your community with an interest in education so that they too can provide their input and feedback.

Earlier this year we marked the fifth anniversary of the Prime Minister's historic apology on behalf of all Canadians for the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools policy, and in October we will mark the 250th Anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763. These important anniversaries provide us the opportunity to reflect on the shared history between First Nations and other Canadians and on the vital role that First Nations have played in shaping the country we know today. They also provide an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made, and the work still to be done, to close the gaps between First Nations and other Canadians when it comes to health, poverty, employment levels, educational attainment, and other indicators of social well-being.

There is no question that a quality education contributes to overcoming poverty, improving health, and fostering long-term prosperity for individuals and their communities. The proposed First Nation Education Act will help to ensure that First Nations youth, who represent the youngest, fastest growing segment of the population in Canada, get a quality education which will allow them to pursue a college or university degree, get skills training, or secure a job.

The attached document identifies the proposed structure of the legislation, and is directly informed by feedback from the consultations that have taken place across the country. For months now, officials from the Department have been engaging First Nation parents, youth, educators, leaders, provincial partners and others with an interest or expertise in education, through face-to-face regional consultations, video and teleconference sessions, as well as online consultation activities. These consultations have created opportunities for First Nations and other interested parties to make suggestions, share ideas, and raise concerns about the proposed legislation.

For instance, we heard concerns about how the proposed legislation would address Aboriginal rights. In response, we would ensure that the proposed legislation respects Aboriginal rights and treaties. In fact, a sound legislative base would support the discharge of Canada's obligations under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, with respect to historic treaties, current modern land claims, and self-government agreements.

I encourage you to review the annotated outline and to provide your feedback by writing to us at: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Education Branch, 15 Eddy Street, 6th Floor, Gatineau, QC, K1A OH4, or through the Department's website (www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca), or by email: consultation-education@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca.

Your input will help to shape the legislation and, ultimately, contribute to our shared goal of improving the education that students in your communities receive. We have also committed to sharing the proposed legislation with you and your community, once it is drafted, so that you can again provide your input and feedback.

Should you or members of your community wish to arrange a video or teleconference with departmental officials to discuss the blueprint, please do not hesitate to contact them via email or in writing at one of the addresses above.

Sincerely,

Bernard Valcourt, PC, QC, MP