TO: Chiefs-in-Assembly
DATE: June 14-15-16, 2005
FROM: Karihwakeron Tim Thompson
RE: Manifesto

Issue:

The New Agenda: A Manifesto For First Nations Education in Ontario.

Background:

The Manifesto was envisioned by the Ontario First Nations Chiefs-in-Assembly as a means of providing a foundation for change in First Nations education. The project was mandated by AOCC Resolution 03/18.

The structure and content of the Manifesto was informed by a series of regional consultations hosted by Grand Council Treaty #3, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation, the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians and the Union of Ontario Indians. A second series of consultations occurred at the same time on First Nations parental engagement in education. These reports were provided to all Manifesto researchers and writers to ensure the Manifesto would reflect the perspectives, experiences, and priorities of First Nations in Ontario with respect to education. The Manfesto consists of eighteen research and discussion papers on key areas of First Nations education in Ontario.

Current Status/Analysis:

The Manifesto, for all intents and purposes, is complete. One copy has been sent to each First Nation, Provincial/Territorial Organization, and Tribal Council.

An implementation plan has been developed which includes a communications strategy and a summary of key recommendations.

Next Steps:

1. To accept the Manifesto as completed pursuant to AOCC Resolution 03/18.
2. To accept the communications strategy in principle and direct the Political Confederacy to oversee its implementation.
3. To have the Manifesto published in book form, on the COO website, and by CD ROM, and seek the resources necessary to do so.

Attachments:
Manifesto Communications Strategy