There is more to FN than we see in the mainstream media

If children are top priority for federal government why hold back education dollars?

Reports of the dismal conditions related to inequitable education funding on reserves keep pouring in. Ceiling tiles are falling in on students, there’s no money for books or computers. 

Children are being taught special education in furnace rooms or attending school in shifts due to over-crowded conditions. On-reserve teachers are taking up second jobs just to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, back in Ottawa, the federal government promises new money for education starting two years from now and then tells First Nations they have to agree to a very controversial piece of legislation in order to get the funds.

When the expected controversy reaches a boiling point, the federal government puts the whole bill and the money on hold. It is no wonder why last year the prestigious KidsRights Foundation ranked Canada 60th in terms of rights. 

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Valcourt recently said, “I am disturbed that they would play politics on the backs of First Nation children.” That is a bit rich coming from a government that has been in power for eight years and only promises desperately needed education funds after the next election. 

Moreover, that statement lies in direct contrast with the government’s actions at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal where it is vigorously defending inequitable child welfare funding on reserves even though government documents and officials confirm the under-funding and its tragic links to children going into foster care unnecessarily. 

http://westcoastnativenews.com/if-children-are-top-priority-for-federal-government-why-hold-back-education-dollars/