National First Nations Directors of Education Forum Taking Place in Ottawa to Advance First Nations Control of First Nations Education

National First Nations Directors of Education Forum Taking Place in
Ottawa to Advance First Nations Control of First Nations Education

OTTAWA, Feb. 19, 2016 – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is convening a National First Nations Directors of Education Forum taking place February 23 & 24 at the Delta Ottawa City Centre in Ottawa, ON. The Forum will bring together First Nation Directors of Education from across the country along with other experts and representatives from the federal government to share successful education practices and provide insight on ways to close the education gap between First Nations and Canadians.

The Forum will raise awareness on work being done to achieve First Nations Control of First Nations Education.  The federal government has stated its commitment to engaging with First Nations on this goal.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde will deliver Opening Remarks at approximately 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, February 23.  The Honourable Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, will speak at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23. Dr. Mark S. Dockstator, President, First Nations University of Canada, will address the Forum at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23.  Other speakers include Judge David Arnot, Chief Commissioner, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and former AFN Directors of Education.  Delegates will discuss a number of key topics including the current state of First Nations control of First Nations education, moving the agenda forward, and a discussion on the possibility of creating a national First Nations Director of Education Association.

A detailed agenda is available at: http://www.afn.ca/en/national-first-nation-directors-of-education-forum-february-23-24-2016

Media can register in advance by emailing the AFN contacts listed below and can register on-site.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow the #AFNForum on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

For further information: Alain Garon AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382; 613-292-0857 or agaron@afn.ca; Jenna Young Castro, AFN Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext 401; 613-314-8157 or jyoung@afn.ca