I find myself very frustrated with First Nation and Canada relations. The latest galvanizing issue is that the First Nation Education legislation with the ultimate resignation of Shawn Atleo.
When you unpack this latest incident, it is rich with complexity – especially as you try to unravel all the impacts of colonization at the core. There are many competing interests at play here, dealing with more than one complicated relationship. I get frustrated – because I think people expect more from our leaders than is practical.

This is the challenge of unraveling well over a century of bad policy that has assaulted First Nation communities in countless ways. How do you begin unraveling the mess? Especially with value systems so radically different between First Nations and the federal government? In my view – the only opportunities First Nations had to work on with this government were that of education, training and economic development. A-in-chut worked hard to make meaningful improvements to First Nation kids education. 1.9 billion.

I have spent a long time in my career trying to lead change in my community to improve socioeconomic conditions. And what I’ve come to learn is as follows:

• The systemic barriers in the Indian Act are almost impossible to overcome to provide sustainable economic opportunities for First Nations or for good governance practices that are supported by First Nation citizens.
• That most First Nation people opposed to changes to the Indian Act have pretty good socio-economic conditions themselves.
• that the number 1 indicator of success in life is grade 12
• that most on an off reserve education systems are failing our kids
• that internal community building is as important if not more important than external government relations.
• That there are many views about First Nation relationships with the crown
• That there will never be a unified approach on ‘reconciling’ First Nations with the federal government.
• That sometimes incremental improvements are risks worth taking.

In my opinion – the education legislation is far from perfect, but be that as it may – it would provide some desperately needed resources into our children’s education. We won’t see the investments now, in a grade 1 student for 12 years. I don’t think we can afford to wait for the perfect arrangement. I also know people are offended about issues of standards and control. But I think these are red herrings.
I feel a strong sense of urgency to start providing relief to our people. I think this legislation can’t undermine treaty relationships or unreconciled rights and title. I think it is an administrative arrangement that is a starting point.

Should there be a reformed AFN? Certainly.
Should there be more from the federal government to overcome poverty on reserves? Definitely.
Should there be dialogue on a new relationship between First Nations and Canada? It is long overdue amongst First Nations, and between First Nations, Canadians and the government.
Can all of this be resolved at once? Definitely not.

I think First Nations and indeed Canadians are at odds about what governing priorities should be. Should it be the environment? The economy? The social safety net? Should poverty come first?
I think qualify of life should be leaders’ top priority, with balancing everything else as best possible. But we shouldn’t subject our children to substandard education. Many people can’t and won’t recover from this poor foundation.