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A United Nations human rights investigator has recommended the Harper government retool its First Nations education legislation, with more First Nation buy-in.
James Anaya, who is a United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous people, told reporters on Oct. 15, that he believes the government should slow down passage of the First Nations Education Act, and consult with more first nation’s communities.
“Any legislation that goes forward that affects, in a direct sense, indigenous people’s rights and interests, without their buy-in, without them participating in the process for developing that legislation, will lack legitimacy and will, ultimately, probably, be ineffective” he said.
Anaya spent nine days visiting six provinces in Canada, visiting with First Nation communities and government officials, in order to create a report for the United Nations.
Although he did not release all of his findings during his visit, he did express some concerns regarding First Nation policy in Canada – including education.
The First Nation Education Act is a piece of legislation from the Conservative governmentthat aims to improve the First Nations elementary and secondary school systems. On the government’s Economic Action Plan web site it “confirms the Government’s commitment to consult with First Nations across Canada on the development of a First Nation Education Act,” but clearly many do not feel this to be the case.
“What I heard throughout Canada was opposition towards the legislation initiative as defined by the outline that’s been made public,” Anaya said.
In Wednesday’s speech from the throne – which outlines the government’s agenda for the current parliamentary session – Aboriginal education was briefly mentioned, with the government promising to “continue working with First Nations to develop stronger, more effective, and more accountable on-reserve education systems.”
Anaya’s full report is expected to be presented to the UN in September 2014.
