UOI OFFICES (Nipissing First Nation) January 18, 2016 – Anishinabek Nation is kick-starting its “Say Yes to the AES” campaign, educating its citizens about the proposed Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement with Canada and new fiscal arrangements for education.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says it’s important for our people to learn more about the proposed agreement and Anishinabek Education System.

“It is important to be informed and show up to vote – or mail in your ballot when the time comes,” says Grand Council Chief Madahbee. “I really hope we don’t lose the opportunity for Anishinaabe education and Anishinabek control of education because of lack of interest. I urge you to get involved. This is for our children.”

Information about the proposed agreement with Canada, fiscal arrangements and the Anishinabek Education System can be found at www.sayyestoaes.ca

“We are at a time when we must move forward to take charge of the education of our children. Our education system is designed for success on our terms and under our jurisdiction,” says Madahbee. “It has been designed by Anishinabek parents, Elders, and education experts. We’ve had the inspiration, done the perspiration, now we need ratification and implementation. We have 30 of our 39 communities on board to run a ratification vote – and the others have the option to join in at a later date.”

The recognition by Canada of the Anishinabek First Nations’ jurisdiction over primary, elementary and secondary education, and the funding to operate the Anishinabek Education System (AES), a stand-alone, parallel, education system, makes up the proposed education self-government agreement with Canada.

All Anishinabek First Nation citizens are encouraged to attend the first round of Regional Information Sessions in preparation for the First Nation ratification vote in November 2016:

January 20 – Sault Ste. Marie – Delta Waterfront Hotel from 1-4pm
February 10 – Little Current – Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre 1-4pm
February 17 – Toronto – Native Canadian Centre 1-4pm
February 25 – Sudbury – Holiday Inn 6-9pm

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The

Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.

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For more information contact:
Marci Becking, Communications Officer
Phone : 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2290
Email : becmar@anishinabek.ca
Anishinabek Nation Website
www.anishinabeknews.ca
www.sayyestoaes.ca
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