Acknowledge traditional territories: Educators

NORTH BAY, ON, Dec. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - The First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Association of Ontario (FNMIEAO) is endorsing the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including mandatory curricula on Treaties and Indian Residential Schools and the teaching of Indigenous languages as credit courses. As a first step, FNMIEAO suggests that the Ministry of Education adopt as policy and practice the First Nations' protocol of acknowledging traditional territories at major ceremonies and events, as well as school assemblies.

"It's long overdue that Canadian citizens understand that their ancestors were permitted to begin the peaceful settlement of this country because of a Treaty relationship with First Peoples," says Mireille LaPointe, Co-chair of FNMIEAO, the subject association representing over 1000 educators of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies and Native Languages in the province. "That Nation-to-Nation relationship was one of alliance and sharing. No student should graduate from the public education system in Ontario without understanding the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to the creation of Canada – such as sharing the use of their traditional lands and playing a key role in defending its borders in the War of 1812.

"At the same time our classrooms need to be honest about government policies such as the establishment of Indian Residential Schools, and the horrific socio-economic impacts they still have on Indigenous lives."

FNMIEAO is also urging Ontario's Ministry of Education and all school boards across the province to develop curriculum and policies that reflect a spirit of reconciliation with First Peoples.

SOURCE First Nations, Metis & Inuit Education Association of Ontario

For further information: Maurice Switzer, Media Relations, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education Association, mauriceswitzer4@gmail.com, 705-494-8417, 705-845-0716 (mobile)