NDP: First Nations students left behind under Ford's watch

QUEEN'S PARK - Today, Official Opposition NDP Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), Critic for Indigenous and Treaty Relations, exposed the Ford Conservatives' ongoing negligence in addressing educational disparities for Indigenous students in the provincial education system.

"Equal education is a right, not a privilege," emphasized Mamakwa. "All students deserve an equal opportunity to thrive in our educational system, regardless of their background or where they live. The ongoing systemic gaps in education have resulted in continued discrimination against First Nations children, a stain on our province that requires immediate correction."

Despite persistent calls to close support gaps, Ford's Conservatives continually ignore the urgent need for funding reform. The Chiefs of Ontario launched two reports on these gaps in K-12 schools across Ontario. The evidence in the reports confirms the need to increase support for First Nations learners in the provincial system.

"Historically, students of colour — particularly First Nations students, have been marginalized and discriminated against by the public school system. This marginalization was used as a tool to keep us oppressed and uninformed - a disgusting practice that continues in 2023 by this government. The type of funding discrepancy we are witnessing should be viewed as segregation. Allowing every child access to adequate education except for First Nation children is shameful."

Eight years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented a vision for collaboration between First Nations and all levels of government, with ample funding, to 'close educational gaps within a generation.' However, almost a decade later, little progress has been made.

"This cannot continue. We are in 2023, not the 1800s. It's time for the Conservatives to take immediate action, listen to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations, and ensure that every child, regardless of their background or where they live, has an equal opportunity to access quality education in this province."