NEWS RELEASE

Thursday July 6, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NAN ANNOUNCES ACTION PLAN TO

ADDRESS STUDENT SAFETY
THUNDER BAY, ON: Following a two-day Emergency Chiefs Meeting on Education,
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) has developed an action plan to improve student safety and
education outcomes for NAN students.

Our children should not have to choose between their education and their safety, and many
families are in fear of sending their children to school in Thunder Bay in September. We have
developed a plan of action, at the direction of Chiefs-in-Assembly, which will be presented to
families and students who are waiting to learn where they will attend school in the fall, said
Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler. Our students, their families and communities are facing
challenges that need immediate attention. These concerns are reflected in this approach,
which addresses immediate needs and longer-term goals.

The action plan calls for the development of an Emergency Education Task Force to take
immediate action to address the following issues:

1. Identify immediate steps to address the safety and wellness of the youth attending
school away from their home communities.
2. Create an environmental scan of education facilities and services, and identify
possible positive adjustments.
3. Identify existing education options for high school students who decide to stay in
their communities.
4. Ensure resources are available to accommodate students who wish to continue their
education in other urban centres.
5. Create a Student Safety Plan with short-term measures to protect youth who come to
Thunder Bay in September.
6. Secure the mandate to develop and negotiate reverse-tuition agreements to allow all
NAN First Nation students the option to attend NAN First Nation schools, and schools
operated by NAN-affiliated organizations.

The meeting was held July 5-6 in Thunder Bay to address concerns raised by First Nations,
students, parents and partner organizations regarding the safety of students attending
school in Thunder Bay following several recent tragedies.
For more information please contact: Michael Heintzman, Director of Communications Nishnawbe Aski
Nation (807) 625-4965 or cell (807) 621-2790 or by email mheintzman@nan.on.ca