Education Spotlight Welcomed on International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

COAST SALISH TERRITORIES/WEST VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - August 09, 2016) - The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) welcomes the attention on Indigenous education issues on the August 9^th International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, with this year's theme of "Indigenous Peoples' Right to Education."

"In the spirit of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we must continue to make progress in the area of education based on respect, recognition, and reconciliation," said Tyrone McNeil, FNESC President. "Significant progress has been achieved in BC and we will continue work to ensure that our youth receive a relevant, quality education so that they develop into culturally and linguistically competent people within their respective nations."

The UN Declaration affirms the rights of Indigenous peoples to establish and control their own education systems, to access education, and to have their cultures and histories accurately reflected in education. The Government of Canada committed to implementing the Declaration in May 2016. Implementation of the Declaration is a key recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's calls to action to address the legacy of Indian residential schools.

FNESC maintains that education is a shared responsibility and looks forward to working with the Province of BC, Government of Canada and other education partners to improve outcomes for First Nations learners.

The First Nations Education Steering Committee (www.fnesc.ca) is an independent society committed to improving education for all First Nations learners in British Columbia. FNESC was established by First Nations leadership and it is directed by a board of 115 representatives of First Nations communities.