The University of New Brunswick and the UNB Associated Alumni will be hosting a conversation on First Nations’ education at the Fredericton Playhouse on Thursday, October 24 at 2 p.m.

UNB honorary degree recipients National Chief Shawn Atleo and the Right Honourable Paul Martin will discuss the past, present and future of First Nations’ education in Canada.  UNB’s Dean of Education, Ann Sherman will moderate.

Aboriginal leaders have pointed to past abuses as evidence that the federal government should allow First Nations’ communities to craft their own education policies.  Some have lamented the fact that federal policy-makers have failed to learn key lessons from the past, even as they prepare to present the First Nations Education Act in Parliament this fall.  Issues related to curriculum and pedagogical methods continue to be a factor as First Nations seek more culturally appropriate ways to engage their students.  More consultation is being sought and more public discussions are needed.

The Playhouse conversation is being billed as a tribute to the late Andy Scott, former minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, MP, and Andrews senior fellow in social policy at UNB.

Shawn Atleo is the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations.  Paul Martin is the former prime minister of Canada and president of the Martin Aboriginal Education Inititative.

Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.  Doors will open at 1:30 p.m.