First Nation chiefs, education directors, principals and community leaders and youth from eight communities gathered at the Chippewas of Rama First Nation last month to strategize improvements for Indigenous education and First Nation schools on reserves.
The 2023 First Nations with Schools Collective (FNWSC) three-day Education Summit included Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee nations working together to achieve control over their own distinct education systems.
“Everything we are doing is for the education of our children,” said Elder Wayne Southwind, who gave the morning address.
FNWSC asked each nation to invite chiefs, members of council, education directors, elders and community liaisons to the event, which included a number of presentations and working groups. Chiefs in attendance on the third day signed the FNWSC One Mind Renewal agreement, signifying their ongoing commitment to the work of the collective.
The summit was part of the FNWSC strategy to advance First Nation education. The three-day agenda included cross-community conversations around jurisdiction and education system priorities. Many of those discussions were held and documented.
Two youth from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation also attended and participated in the conversations and working groups.
Elders in attendance included Wayne Southwind, Jeannette Lavell-Corbiere, Harvey Trudeau, Delores Trudeau and Leroy Bennett. They ensured each day started off in a good way, with prayers, drumming and smudging. A sacred fire was lit and Wayne Southwind led a pipe ceremony to open and close the summit.