Council Update NDP MP for Timmins-James Bay Charlie Angus answers a question from a concerned Community Member Shannen’s Dream Calls for School Equality for First Nations students 01/22/11 – Shannen Koostachin of Attawpiskat First Nation wanted a healthy, cozy and student-friendly school in her community so she began a campaign for one. Her dream soon included all other First Nations communities. Tragically, she lost her life in an accident in 2009. Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus picked up her cause and is determined to see all First Nations have the same kind of schools as students in non-native communities across Canada. On Jan. 22, 2011, MP Angus of the New Democratic Party and Brant NDP candidate Marc Laferriere held a meeting to share Shannen’s Dream and to talk about a national day of action in all First Nations communities later this year. Laferriere pointed out the value of working together as allies. At the meeting, MP Angus said Indian and Northern Affairs Canada promised to build a new school after parents pulled children out of the old one. The thirty-year-old school was heated by diesel piped under the building. Toxic chemical fumes from benzene were making children sick. INAC put up portables and the site of the old school became the students’ toxic playground. Six years ago, INAC promised to build a new school but has not yet done so. Shannen, who was described as a great youth leader, organized a demonstration in front of the portables, had it videotaped and posted online. Within four months, hundreds of schools across Canada supported construction of a new school. Her initiative became the biggest youth movement in Canada and attracted support from CUPE, school boards, teacher associations, unions and many other organizations. All parties demanded the federal government address the situation. Shannen, who had to move 630 kilometres away to attend high school, and two other youths went to Ottawa where they held a press conference, met with MPs and shared information with First Nations and non-native supporters. The campaign continues. “We’ve got a story to tell,” said MP Angus. “When people hear this story, they are going to want action.” For his part, MP Angus filed Motion 571 in Parliament. It called for standards for equality in school construction at the same level available in non-native communities. The motion also called for closing the funding gap between education standards between First Nations and other schools in Canada. The bottom line was ensuring the same opportunities and rights for First Nations students. Much of this information was part of Shelley Steele’s video entitled Shannen’s Dream, which premiered in J.C. Hill Elementary School in Ohsweken. Director/Producer Shelley Steele created the film to tell the story of the 15 year-old’s dream.    Go Back To Main Page Contact Us Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council 1695 Chiefswood Rd. Ph: (519) 445-2201 fax: (519) 445-4208 Business Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Google Search SixNations.ca Employment Policy   Employment Policy

Legal, trademark and privacy information.   Copyright © 2007 Six Nations Council. All rights reserved.   Email webmaster.