"Our Dreams Matter Too"

First Nations school fight heads to the United Nations

GATINEAU --Tired of broken promises, First Nations youth are going to the United Nations to challenge the Conservative government's deplorable record on education. A report: "Our Dreams Matter Too," released today by the Shannen's Dream campaign will form the basis of a challenge against Canada at the upcoming review of the Rights of the Child Convention.

“The report shines a light on the deplorable conditions faced by First Nations students,” said New Democrat MP for Timmins-James Bay, Charlie Angus. "How can the Conservatives justify their systemically negligent treatment of First Nations students? They have some serious explaining to do to the international community.”

The report was started by Aboriginal youth leader Shannen Koostachin who died in a car accident last summer. Since her death, Angus has worked with a national team of First Nations youth, education leaders and children's rights activists, carrying on Shannen's fight for equal education rights.

Angus pointed out that the government has been feeling the heat from the Shannen's Dream campaign. He noted the Conservatives directly referred to the "dreams" of First Nation students in the Speech from the Throne.

"The Conservatives realize this campaign isn't going away. But words aren't enough,” said Angus. “New Democrats are demanding a full overhaul of the run-down, haphazard system of education being delivered by Indian Affairs."

"The campaign won't stop until every First Nation child gets the chance to cross the finish line."