Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver – On Friday we were informed by National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo of his resignation as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. This resignation is unfortunate, but as the First Nations Summit Executive, we fully understand and support his reasoning and his final decision.
We are grateful that his tireless efforts and advocacy has helped bring the critical issue of First Nations education and the wellbeing of First Nations peoples into the forefront of an important national dialogue.
We fully agree with former National Chief Atleo that the status quo in the dismal educational outcomes of First Nations learners is not acceptable. We will continue to advocate for appropriate standards, approaches, mechanisms, adequate funding and substantive changes in making First Nations control of First Nations education a reality in all of our communities in British Columbia.