The Ontario Public School Board Association (OPSBA) First Nations Trustees Council (FNTC) met in Toronto on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 23 and 24, and had an outstanding initial introductory meeting with Honorable Mitzie Hunter, the new Ontario Minister of Education.

Peter Garrow, OPSBA First Nations Director, presented his report on the important curriculum work that happened over the summer and also discussed events such as the Sixties Scoop Rally and Gord Downie's comments challenging the Prime Minister and all to do something about the harsh conditions of communities of the North.

Garrow said of Minister Hunter, "Of course she opened with her contributions to the Ministry and commitment to advance reconciliation. Then she spoke from her script, and from her heart. She has visited a number of northern First Nation communities and spoke of their infrastructure needs and resources required within their schools, yet she was so warmly welcomed to their communities by parents and especially the youth. She indicated that she was honored to be meeting with us and was very aware of the work we do to advance First Nation, Metis and Inuit educational viewpoints, historically and currently for all Ontario students."

The planning session also included presentations from Julia Candlish, Dir. of Education for the Chiefs of Ontario - COO Strategic Education Plan; Jack Blum and Denise Bolduc of REEL Canada, a Indigenous Film program which can provide free Indigenous films for schools and resources for schools and organizations to host their own film festival; and Indspire Official Zandra Bear-Lowen who spoke of how Indspire is able to support teachers through their Mentorship program.

They also had a face-to-face meeting with Ministry of Education ADM Janine Griffore about the Ministry's Advancing Reconciliation and Curriculum Development initiative.

Garrow has invited Minister Hunter to Akwesasne and we look forward to her visit.