June 5th, 2023

Ford Conservatives under fire for timing of drastic cuts to Indigenous Education Funding

QUEEN'S PARK - Ontario NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) and Education Critic Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West-Nepean) have strongly criticized the Ford Conservatives' recent 63% funding cut to Indigenous Education at Lambton Kent School District Board. Mamakwa emphasized the gravity of this decision, stating, "You cannot cut Indigenous education funding during Indigenous History Month."

"By reducing funding without proper consultation or consideration, the Ford Conservatives perpetuate the long-standing systemic issues and inequalities Indigenous peoples face," said Mamakwa. "This funding cut not only hampers the ability of schools to provide comprehensive Indigenous education, but it also disregards the fundamental rights of First Nations students. Indigenous education is vital to reconciliation, truth, and understanding in our society."

Despite the Minister's claims of increased funding, there is a stark disparity between the government's stated increase of 2.7% in Grants for Student Needs (GSNs) and the much higher inflation rate of 6.8% in 2022 and the predicted 3.6% for 2023. This gap highlights the need for more funding and raises concerns about the government's commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the education system.

"What message are we sending to these children about the importance of learning our history and learning Indigenous language and culture when we slash funding for them by over 60%?" said Pasma. "If we were truly committed to reconciliation and a new relationship with Indigenous Peoples, we would be investing more money into Indigenous education, not cutting it."

“The timing of this decision is particularly disheartening, as it occurs during Indigenous History Month when we should be celebrating and honouring the rich heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples," said Mamakwa. “Instead, it demonstrates blatant disrespect and undermines the significance of this important month. These decisions reflect a continuation of colonialism, where Indigenous voices and rights are disregarded, and their histories and cultures are marginalized. We must break this cycle of systemic neglect and ensure that First Nations students have access to the resources, support, and education they deserve through adequate Indigenous Education funding.”