Fort Chipewyan leaders to present to RMWB Council

An aerial view of Fort Chipewyan, Alta., on the border of Wood Buffalo National Park is shown on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Community leaders from Fort Chipewyan will present to RMWB Council on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.

The focus of their presentation is education reform in the area

They will request a motion of support, which would go to federal and provincial government officials.

Leaders say there is a concern in the northern hamlet about low graduation rates and a marked departure of teachers leaving the area.

Two of the reasons teachers gave them are housing issues and work conditions.

The leaders hope the mayor and council would consider the motion.

Background

The Northland School Division (NSD) Inquiry Team released a report about the status of schools in 2010.

It made several recommendations for improvements to the education system for NSD like learning, administration, finances, and governance.

Declarations from the United Nations and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission also support the reforms.

However, there was little accomplished.

Community leaders hope new meetings and improvements get the ball rolling for 2019-20.

Principal recommendations include strengthening English and Indigenous language study and funding for NSD libraries and facilities.