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PRINCE GEORGE – The Province is supporting a conference in Prince George where Aboriginal youth from around B.C. will gather to celebrate creative expression and discuss the pitfall of addictions, said Education Minister Shirley Bond.
“When we encourage Aboriginal students to express themselves, and
include Aboriginal perspectives in our education system, students are more
likely to stay in school and succeed,” said Bond. “This government believes
that Aboriginal students deserve every opportunity.”
The three-day conference, organized by Carrier Sekani Family
Services, is at the Prince George Civic Center April 3–5. The theme
is “Be Free” and the conference will encourage the Aboriginal youth ages 14–25
to pursue their dreams free from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
To help promote creative expression,
the conference will include entertainment by Eagle and Hawk, who were nominated
for a “Best Music of Aboriginal Canada” Juno Award in 2004. There will also be
workshops and a poster contest involving youth who have developed
anti-addiction messages. The Ministry of Education has provided
$50,000 to support this conference.
“We appreciate the support of this
government,” said Mary Teegee, director of child and family services at Carrier Sekani Family Services.
“Empowerment through education and a healthy holistic lifestyle is at the heart
of our shared vision for our indigenous youth.”
“While Aboriginal students are more likely to be successful now than in
2001, fewer than half still don’t complete school,” said Bond. “From the new historic
agreement recognizing First Nations’ jurisdiction over education on First Nations’ land to the English 12 First Peoples course
currently being developed, we’re working with Aboriginal communities to improve
B.C.’s education system to better serve Aboriginal students.”
Increasing Aboriginal student school
completion rates is one of government’s top priorities. Since 2001, the
completion rate for Aboriginal students has increased by five per cent to 47
per cent. However, the Aboriginal completion rate is still well below
the provincial average of 79 per cent.
Sponsoring this conference
supports the Province’s Pacific Leadership Agenda to build new relationships
with First Nations, and to close gaps in health, housing, education and
economic opportunities. The
Province announced last month that it will increase funding for Aboriginal
students next school year. Funding for Aboriginal students will increase by $64
per pupil, from $950 to $1,014. Total Aboriginal funding will increase from
$48.1 million this year to an estimated $51.1 million in 2007-08. The
funding supports Aboriginal language and culture programs, Aboriginal support
service programs, and other local Aboriginal education programs.
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For information on AchieveBC, visit www.achievebc.ca online.
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Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963 250 920-9040 (cell) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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