OTTAWA (November 15, 2004) -- More than 100 representatives of federal, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal organizations and communities, and Aboriginal education experts met in Winnipeg over the weekend to discuss early childhood development and elementary/secondary education. This working session was the first of two on lifelong learning, held as a follow-up to the Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable that took place on April 19, 2004. At that roundtable, the Prime Minister set out a vision which included a focus on closing the gap between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians in key quality of life indicators, including health, education, housing and economic opportunities. "Aboriginal education is a priority for the Government of Canada: lifelong learning is the keystone to self-sufficiency for Aboriginal individuals and communities and is essential for the success of the country overall," said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "The Government of Canada is committed to working in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, provinces and other stakeholders to ensure Aboriginal children get a good educational start in life and to find new ways to better support Aboriginal lifelong learning." The objectives of the lifelong learning sessions are to identify ways improvements can be made in the area of lifelong learning, and to work with Aboriginal partners and others to develop and implement solutions jointly. The outcomes from the sessions are expected to be discussed at a policy retreat with the Prime Minister, Ministers, National Aboriginal Leaders, and provincial and territorial governments in early spring. The second lifelong learning meeting will be held in Ottawa on November 18-19, 2004. It will focus on developing shared definitions of success and recommended actions to achieve progress in priority areas of post-secondary education and skills development. Other sectoral sessions to be held between late November and late January are on the themes of housing, economic opportunities, negotiations and accounting for results. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Diane Laursen Media Relations Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (819) 994-2044 Backgrounder - Canada-Aboriginal Peoples Roundtable Follow-up Sectoral Session on Lifelong Learning Fact Sheet - Education
