Canada, Don't Short-Change First Nations School Children

A Saskatchewan Nations spokesman says the federal government isn’t telling the truth about education funding.

In fact, says vice chief Simon Bird and other critics, the government funds only $6500 per student at reservation schools, less than half the $14,000 Minister John Duncan claimed at a recent press conference - $4,000 less than funding for provincial school students.

If Ottawa continues to short-change First Nations schools, adds Bird, it will result in long-term problems, and he’s invited Duncan to visit Saskatchewan so he can see for himself the state of these aboriginal schools, which serve over 15,000 students. Bird also suggests that the minister take another look at his figures and work harder to improve the situation.

Long criticized by aboriginal and human rights groups over inequalities, the government had agreed to work to resolve the problem. But just saying it’s fixed, doesn’t fix anything.

Tell Ottawa to fix its figures and don‘t short-change First Nations school children.