NAN Deputy Grand Chief, Kiiwetinoong MPP critical of Safe Return to Class Fund monies for First Nations

Tim Brody - Editor

“Our leaders have now been left ill-prepared to make key decisions with respect to the safe delivery of education programs and services. Our educators, parents and students are now forced to scramble days before the school year is supposed to start. Many will not have the time they need to adequately prepare, and the entire school year could be in jeopardy for many of our students,” stated Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief Derek Fox in response to the Government of Canada’s Safe Return to Class Fund announced last week.
On August 26, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced up to $2 billion in support for provinces and territories through the Safe Return to Class Fund.
He also announced an additional $112 million in funding for First Nations, “to support community measures to ensure a safe return to school on reserves. The government will continue to work with First Nation partners to help protect the health and safety of students and staff this school year.”
Fox said in a statement released on August 26, “It is unfortunate that the federal government has waited until days before classes begin to announce this much-needed funding. Our schools are remote, and it will take more than days to prepare them for the upcoming school year.”
Fox added, “The government has very little engagement with our communities regarding back-to-school preparations. We acknowledge the support, but we are discouraged that today’s announcement doesn’t provide details on specific resources, timelines, how to access the funding or how it will be allocated. We are concerned that proposal-based funding will cause significant delays, and we call on the government to respect community needs.
“Education is a Treaty right, and Canada has failed in its responsibility. Today's announcement is simply too little too late.”
NAN further informed, “Schools across NAN territory require sufficient education-specific resources to safely deliver education programs and services until a vaccine is available. NAN has already identified to Indigenous Services Canada the need for additional resources required to safely deliver education programs and services. This delayed response will make it extremely difficult for NAN First Nations to deliver quality education to nearly 9,000 elementary and secondary students.”
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa, NDP critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation said in a statement released by his party on August 26, “There is no more time to waste on the jurisdictional game of ping-pong being played with First Nations education.  The federal funding announcement fell far short of what First Nations in Ontario need to keep children at school safe. Education is a treaty obligation in Ontario and Doug Ford needs to stop this cruel game.
“For several months, First Nations have been calling on Doug Ford for the funding and resources required to keep children safe at schools. He knows that First Nations communities need extra funding and support for their back-to-school plans and yet he has taken no action.
“The funding available today for First Nations schools is completely inadequate and is compromising the start of the school year and the safety of students and staff.
“Ford must move now to provide First Nations children with a safe start to the school year.”
Funding through the Safe Return to Class Fund will be provided to provinces and territories in two instalments, with a first disbursement in Fall 2020 and additional funding available for early 2021.
The maximum total allocation for Ontario is $763.34 million.