First Nations education needs action now, says Cindy Blackstock

Reports of the dismal conditions related to inequitable education funding on reserveskeep pouring in. Ceiling tiles are falling in on students, there's no money for books or computers.

Children are being taught special education in furnace rooms or attending school in shiftsdue to over-crowded conditions. On-reserve teachers are taking up second jobs justto make ends meet.

• First Nations education act 'on hold,' minister's office says
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Meanwhile, back in Ottawa, the federal government promises newmoney for education starting two years from now and then tells First Nations they haveto agree to a very controversial piece of legislation in order to get the funds.

When theexpected controversy reaches a boiling point, the federal government puts the wholebill and the money on hold. It is no wonder why last year the prestigious KidsRightsFoundation ranked Canada 60thin terms ofrights.

Aboriginal Affairs MinisterValcourt recently said,I am disturbed that they would play politics on the backs of FirstNation children. That is a bit rich coming from a government that has been in powerfor eight years and only promises desperately needed education funds after the next election.

Moreover, that statement lies in direct contrast with the governments actions at theCanadian Human Rights Tribunal where it is vigorously defending inequitable childwelfare funding on reserves even though government documents and officials confirmthe under-funding and its tragic links to children going into foster care unnecessarily.

I need school because I need to learn. You promised nativepeople to get a school its not fair for native people to lose school. I need to goto college to be a police officer.-Adam, a Grade 3student atKashechewanFirst Nation

This whole mess leaves me with one key question if children really are a top priorityfor the federal government then why are they holding back the money?

Adam, a Grade 3student at Kashechewan First Nation wants to know that too. He writes, WhenI grow up I want to be a police officer because I will put bad guys in jail. I like schoolbecause we do art and recess.I need school because I need to learn. You promised native people to get a school its not fair for native people to lose school. I need to goto college to be a police officer.

Canadians of every political stripe are fair-minded people who love children so its timewe stop letting the federal government get away with these excuses while childrensuffer.

The children deserve proper funding for education, health and child welfare onreserves while they still have a childhood.