AMC CONCERNED ABOUT DISPLACED CHILDREN OF THE FLOOD AND THEIR TREATY RIGHT TO EDUCATION
Winnipeg, MB – Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of
the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) expressed concern regarding First Nations
children displaced by flooding, and their access to a safe and quality
educational environment. “Our students have a right to set personal goals
and reach benchmarks of achievement in a safe and supportive community school
environment. This right is commonly referred to as the Treaty Right to
Education.”
It may be several weeks before children from
Lake St. Martin are able to return to school. This is compounded by the
fact that these children were not able to complete their education due to this
year’s spring flooding.
Chief Adrian Sinclair of the Lake St. Martin
First Nation (LSMFN) has requested that the AMC support the First Nation as
they implement an emergency response to provide for their children’s
educational needs.
Grand Chief Nepinak stressed that the rights
of children are paramount. He stated, “the guiding principles relating to
decisions regarding the educational needs of children should reflect
international standards.” As outlined in the United Nations Declaration
of the Rights of the Child:
“The child is entitled to receive education… The best interests of
the child shall be the guiding principle of those responsible for his education
and guidance...”
Grand
Chief Nepinak further noted that Canada endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
which states that Indigenous families and communities have the right and
responsibility “for the upbringing, training, education and well-being of their
children, consistent with the rights of the child”.
The children of Lake St. Martin have suffered trauma over
the past few months in leaving their homes, community and school. It is
time for everyone to work together and ensure that the safety and educational
needs of the children are met.
Grand
Chief Nepinak called on the federal government to work closely in partnership
with Chief Sinclair and the community of Lake St. Martin to ensure that their
children are able to return to a safe and supportive school environment as soon as possible. | 
