Page 63 - Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Education Rights
You have probably heard and read about residential schools
and First Nations people. When they were very young, our
parents and grandparents had to attend day schools run by
church officials. Indian day schools were similar to residential
schools, except that day school students went home at night,
while residential school students lived at the school. Our
community had an Indian day school until 1965. The day school
here, like other day schools in the region, discouraged the
practice of traditional beliefs or ways of knowing, and permitted Students at the Indian
Day School
English only.
Much of our culture was lost in these schools. People today
recognize the value of reclaiming our language and belief
systems, and are working to bring back the language and culture
that are so much a part of who we are.

The right to education, without cost, is considered a treaty right.
Historically, this has been interpreted to mean that the federal
government, in exchange for items negotiated in the treaties,
will cover all costs for education in all levels of school, including
public schools and post-secondary schools.

Our education funding does not come from the property tax
dollars paid to fund provincial schools. Rather, it comes from
federal funds we receive through Indigenous Services Canada,
along with our own income.

The Crown questioned this treaty commitment, placing sharp
restrictions on our right to receive enough educational funding.
At one time, when a First Nations student wanted to attend
university, he or she had to be enfranchised. Now, there are
waiting lists for our young people who wish to go to college
or university. Often students are turned away because the
First Nation does not have the funding to send them. This goes
directly against the signed treaties.

Chippewas of Rama First Nation 61

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