School boards gather to discuss future of Aboriginal and Métis education in Alberta
Release date: April 11, 2008
The 2008 Closing the Gaps in Alberta First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education symposium highlights and celebrates the achievements of Canadian school districts and provides an opportunity to exchange ideas for participants. School trustees and superintendents will gather in Kananaskis Village for the invitational symposium, hosted by the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA). Gene Zwozdesky, Alberta’s Aboriginal relations minister, is welcoming the delegates at the opening ceremonies on Sunday, April 13 at 7 p.m. and is the opening speaker on Monday, April 14 at 8:30 a.m.
“Our education system is failing Aboriginal children and youth. It’s imperative that we do better,” said ASBA President Heather Welwood. “This symposium – Closing the Gaps – is meant to point the way forward for school boards in Alberta. School boards are dedicated to providing opportunities for each and every student to succeed – and it’s with this goal in mind that we will be discussing how we can best learn from one another and help.”
Media are welcome to attend. All events take place at the Delta Kananaskis (1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis Village).
Meeting Highlights
Sunday April 13
Opening prayer and ceremonies with Symposium Chair Dr. Eric Newell: 7 p.m.
Dr. Eric Newell, chancellor of the University of Alberta and former chief executive officer of Syncrude Canada Ltd., will be chairing the Closing the Gaps symposium. While at Syncrude, Newell forged a strong working relationship with the Aboriginal communities in Alberta. Aborginal Relations Minister Gene Zwozdesky will bring greetings from the province. Media are welcome to attend the reception at 9:15 p.m. where there will be an opportunity to ask the symposium speakers questions.
Opening panel with Assembly of First Nations, Métis Nation of Alberta and
Alberta Métis Settlements General Council: 7:30 p.m.
Audrey Poitras, president of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Wilton Littlechild, regional chief of the Alberta Assembly of First Nations, and Gerald Cunningham, president of Métis Settlements General Council, will discuss the education gaps for FNMI students in Alberta.
Monday April 14
Opening speaker Aboriginal Relations Minister Gene Zwozdesky: 8:30 a.m.
Zwozdesky will be speaking about the link between improved First Nations, Métis and Inuit education and the province's commitment to build strong, vibrant Aboriginal communities that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Alberta's prosperous economy.
Jerome Berthelette, Office of the Auditor General of Canada, addresses the evening banquet: 7 p.m.
Media kits will be available at the registration desk.
For more information contact: David Anderson, ASBA Executive Director at 1.780.910.8207.
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents all Alberta’s public, separate and francophone school boards.
