Anishinabek Nation vote yes to 'historical' education agreement

The Anishinabek First Nation voted in favour of establishing the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement on Friday — recognizing the First Nations' jurisdiction over primary, elementary and secondary education.

The agreement with the Canadian government also promises federal funding to operate a stand-alone, parallel, education system.

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It will be the largest self-governing document in Canada.

Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee said they are still assessing the results —  which he called "historical" — but expects the implementation of the agreement to begin in April 2018.

"We're going to try to put in place our own programming, history and culture and our languages," Madahbee said, "that will really strengthen the identity of our people and create more success."

Madahbee said they've already began putting the groundwork in place for the system.

"We're going to pick the best of existing in present provincial school models," he said, "we've looked at models all around Canada and abroad."

According to Madahbee, the vote was held November 28 – December 2, and saw 29 communities vote. 

Official results will be made public in mid-December, Madahbee said.

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