Missed it - by that much. The Federal budget and First Nations education

Missed it - by that much. The Federal budget and First Nations education

March 30 - CBC.ca

The federal budget puts a down payment on improvements to First Nations schooling, but the young people who have led the charge for better funding in Native schools say the $275 million is inadequate.

The education funding is the centrepiece of a First Nations package that includes renewal of money for clean water as well as a commitment to explore allowing private-property ownership on reserves that want it.

It comes as Aboriginal Affairs' budget is cut by $166 million a year, or 2.7 per cent.

Chelsea Edwards, spokesperson for the Shannen's Dream initiative to bring provincial standards to reserves, say the $275 million committed in the federal budget toward improving First Nation education is far from enough.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/03/29/first-nations-schools

"The investments in [First Nation] education in today's budget indicate that the voices of our youth are perhaps beginning to be heard but we must do more. We will be relentless in our efforts to ensure sustainable and secure funding for education." — Shawn Atleo, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations

www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/03/29

"I'm very encouraged. The prosperity of the country is inextricably tied to change for First Nations education. This change needs to start today." — Roberta Jamieson, CEO of the Indspire, formerly National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. 

www.canada.com/life/Budget+Feds+focus+young