APTN National News
It has only made one stop, but the government’s blue-ribbon panel on education is already raising suspicions that it’s not as independent as the government claims.
The panel on First Nation education started its journey across Canada last week looking for answers on how to improve education for First Nation youth.
It was created by the Assembly of First Nations and Ottawa.
During the panel’s first visit in Akwesasne on Friday, government officials were very protective of the panel, even asking reporters for questions ahead of time.
The tactic prompted the AFN to send out a statement.
“We want to ensure that the panel is independent and seen to be independent and, for that reason, the AFN will be advising (Aboriginal Affairs) of our concerns about any appearance of control (by the department),” the statement said.
