Brock’s Aboriginal Education Council (AEC) hosted a roundtable discussion today at the University with more than 70 community members to talk about the Government of Canada’s proposed First Nations Education Act.

The event, which was co-ordinated in partnership with Niagara College’s Aboriginal Education Management Circle, Mohawk College’s Aboriginal Student Services and the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association (ONECA), is one of three information sessions taking place in Ontario this month.

“This is such a critical issue,” says Roxanne Manitowabi, Executive Director of ONECA, “which is why we needed to create these forums to start a dialogue, to create awareness about the impacts this legislation will have on our communities.”

Members of Brock’s AEC who are also involved with ONECA helped to bring today’s discussion to Niagara’s university in an effort to raise awareness about the planned legislation with southern communities in the province.

A similar meeting took place at the University of Sudbury yesterday and another is planned for at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay next week.

Brock’s Aboriginal Education Council (AEC) is committed to raising awareness of Aboriginal education and research at the University and in Niagara.

The council is made up of members from local Aboriginal organizations, such as the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre and Niagara Region Métis Council; Non-Aboriginal organizations, like area school boards and post-secondary institutions; Aboriginal community members; Brock Aboriginal students; and senior administration from the University.