Harper finally gets it right on aboriginal education: Goar – Toronto Star

Guarded optimism greets Stephen Harper’s latest plan to upgrade aboriginal education.

Feb 13 2014

“This is a great day for Canada, for First Nations communities and for the next generation,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper proclaimed as he unveiled his government’s revamped aboriginal education plan. “But it is long overdue.”

On his last point, there was unanimity. It has been 42 years since the Assembly of First Nations (then known as the National Indian Brotherhood) first demanded “Indian control of Indian education.” It has been nine years since aboriginal leaders thought they achieved their goal in the Kelowna Accord — only to see the agreement scrapped by Harper’s government.

On the Prime Minister’s other two points — a historic milestone for both Canada and a great day for First Nations — opinions were mixed. Canadians had seen too many grand pronouncements followed by meagre results to cheer wholeheartedly. Aboriginal leaders were hopeful, but wary.

Read more: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2014/02/13/harper_finally_gets_it_right_on_aboriginal_education_goar.html